As members of our community, UQ Sport clubs and UQ Sport have a shared responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of all participants—whether they are members, visitors, or attendees. This guide emphasises the importance of risk management and compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) laws, and Common law reflecting our commitment to good governance and the safety of our sporting environments.
All UQ clubs are obligated among other things to comply with UQ Sport’s policies and guidelines and to take reasonable steps to ensure that club members and invitees comply with the terms and conditions at all UQ and UQ Sport facilities and venues.
Understanding duty of care
Every sporting club has a duty of care to safeguard its members and participants from foreseeable harm. This moral and legal responsibility extends to ensuring that all club activities are conducted safely. As part of this commitment, clubs must identify potential risks associated with their events and implement measures to mitigate these risks.
Risk management essentials
Risk management is a proactive process that involves:
By adhering to these principles, clubs not only comply with meeting ‘reasonably practicable’ safety requirements but also enhance the overall experience for everyone involved.
Compliance with WHS laws
Clubs classified as a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must adhere to WHS regulations, which include conducting regular risk assessments and maintaining a safe environment. Clubs without employees still have a common law obligation to implement reasonable safety measures for the club and their members as part of good governance.
Preparing for events
For all planned activities, where possible to include any one-off events, clubs must submit an annual risk assessment and activity plans to UQ Sport, ensuring all potential risks are identified and addressed. This submission is required to be provided annually to the insurance provider for coverage under insurance policies, for them to check due diligence for safeguarding members and volunteers.
Incident reporting and management
In the event of any incident—whether a near miss or an actual injury—timely reporting is crucial. Completing incident report forms helps identify trends, address ongoing safety concerns, identify where controls and mitigation actions are required, and maintain a record of safety management practices.
Conclusion
Safety is paramount in all club activities, and this guide serves to help you navigate the responsibilities that come with organising sporting events. By prioritising risk management and safety, we create a safer, more enjoyable environment for everyone involved. Together, let’s commit to fostering a culture of safety and responsibility in our clubs.
UQ Sport reinvests all profits into services, facilities, and programs, and is supported by funding from the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) to benefit UQ students.
UQ Sport Ltd is a division of UQ Holdings.
