Benefit-Risk assessment and implications for the active leisure sector - Part 1

In this article, Pete Brown Director of Strategic Development for LEAPS, discusses the standard BS ISO 4980:2023 and its guidance on safety for the active leisure sector, especially those who operate trampoline parks.

Are all Risks negative risks that should be avoided at all costs? The new international standard BS ISO 4980:2023, titled "Benefit-risk assessment for sports and recreational facilities, activities and equipment” (the standard), is a significant development in risk management for the active leisure sector.

This standard provides methods for a benefit-risk assessment for sports, recreational facilities, and equipment. Introducing this standard represents a shift in perspective from viewing all risks as negative to understanding that some risks, particularly those associated with play and recreation, can have positive outcomes. This is in stark contrast to the traditional view, often held by those in medical research, and accident prevention organisations that all risks should be eliminated and introduces the concept of benefit-risk assessment (BRA), which takes into account the positive aspects of risk.

The standard acknowledges that sports and recreational activities, while involving risks, also offer numerous benefits such as interaction with the natural environment, fitness and exercise, resilience, psychological health, and welfare. It recognises that these benefits are an integral part of the risk assessment process when assessing these types of activity.

Traditional workplace risk management processes are based on the hierarchy of risk controls with elimination of risk being the best way to deal with risk in that model. Instead, this standard promotes a more balanced perspective that considers both the benefits and risks associated with sports and recreational activities.

This new perspective on risk assessment is crucial as it allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of sports and recreational activities. It enables decision-makers to make informed choices that consider not just the potential hazards but also the positive impacts of these activities. It allows the development of leisure activities to justify the inclusion of risk in the product design and changes the perception of what is acceptable.

Active leisure differs from passive leisure activities as the safety of a piece of equipment is not purely based on engineering calculations or mechanical systems, although this may be a factor, it is instead based, in part, by the way the participants interact with the equipment.

A roller coaster for example is a thrilling leisure asset that provides excitement through acceleration and G forces, but the user is completely passive in its operation and has no impact on how safe the asset is. These types of devices generally go through a design risk assessment process where the risk is designed out through control measures such as block control, restraints, limit switches and operational measures amongst other things. Therefore, this standard cannot be applied to amusement rides and devices and existing work-based risk assessment processes should be followed.

Trampoline parks are a good example of where this standard can be applied. Modern trampoline parks are built and inspected to BSI EN ISO 23659:2022 this standards introduction states:

“Trampoline parks offer a wide range of social, recreational and sport-based activities and can be aimed towards people of varying ages and skill levels. Risk-taking is a feature of trampoline parks. Trampoline parks aim to offer users the chance to encounter acceptable risks as part of a stimulating, challenging and controlled environment. As such they have the responsibility to balance the need to offer risk and the need to keep users safe from serious harm.

The existence of and adherence to this document will not prevent all injuries. Trampoline use has an inherent risk of injury, particularly if the equipment is used or supervised improperly. A high percentage of trampoline park users are children. Children benefit from, and develop knowledge and skill by, experimenting on equipment.”

By acknowledging in the introduction that risk is an important part of a trampoline park’s appeal the authors are recognising this benefit of risk. The introduction of the standard allows duty holders to re-look at how they assess risks in their trampoline park and add benefit into the equation, by way of example:

Benefits of Trampolining:

• Balance and Coordination: Enhances body control and fine motor skills.
• Heart Health and Cardiovascular System Health: Provides a good cardiovascular workout.
• Joint Health: Low-impact exercise that helps reduce the risk of arthritis.
• Assists the Lymphatic System: Helps in detoxification and boosting immunity.
• Improvement of Spatial Awareness: Enhances understanding of body movement and direction.
• Strengthening and Exercising Bones, Muscles, and Tendons: Helps in building strength and endurance.
• Experiencing G-forces: Provides a unique physical experience.
• Zero Gravity: Offers a sense of weightlessness and freedom.
• Fun: Provides enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.

Risks of Trampolining:

• Spinal Injuries: Can occur from falls or incorrect landings.
• Broken Bones: Risks increase when multiple people are using the trampoline.
• Torn Tendons: Can result from overexertion or improper use.
• Collisions: Can occur with other users, especially in crowded conditions.

When trampolines are used responsibly and safety measures are followed, the benefits can be assessed to outweigh the risks. It's always important to ensure proper supervision, especially for younger users, and to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe use. The application of the standard when applied properly will increase the defensibility of trampoline parks as the duty holder has the ability to justify the inclusion of risk in a quantifiable way.

BS ISO 4980:2023 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of risk management. By incorporating the concept of benefit-risk assessment, it provides a more holistic approach to evaluating sports and recreational activities by promoting a collaborative evidence-based approach to risk assessment, ultimately contributing to safer and more beneficial participation in these activities.

In part 2 we will look at the process that needs to be followed to develop a benefit-risk assessment

For more information please contact Pete Brown.