More advice and guidance for volunteers

Rights of Way Champions

We are aware that many people and community groups are quietly and selflessly giving up their time and resources to maintain and improve their local path network. We do not want to stop this, but we want to make sure it is done safely.

There are numerous hazards that can be encountered whilst working on rights of way. Guidance notes have been produced to highlight these hazards and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.

A Use and Storage of Fuel
B Manual Handling
C Use of Ride on Mowers
D Use of Pedestrian Mowers
E Use of Strimmers
F Use of Hand and Power Tools
G Use of Hedge Trimmers
H Talking with Landowners and Occupiers
I Positioning of Vehicles Whilst Work is Taking Place

A pre-work site risk assessment must be completed before work commences. This will help you to identify and mitigate against any hazards that might exist whilst on site. It’s important that everyone who is helping you carry out the work also sees the assessment before starting work.

Top Safety Tips

  • Tools must be in good working condition and operated following the manufacturers’ instructions.
  • Use the right tools and equipment for the work to be carried out.
  • Use the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the tools being used and the site’s location.
  • PPE must be worn correctly at all times and must not be damaged or faulty.
  • Ensure you are capable – physically and mentally – to do the work.
  • Be prepared and have plans in place for all eventualities e.g. accidents and adverse weather conditions.
  • Protect the health and safety of others, including path users.
  • Consider the impact of your activity on animals and nearby property, including cars.

If you do not have the required tools and equipment, ask your parish council, as the county council may have previously given them a grant to purchase tools and PPE for path works.

Never:

  • Use tractors, utility vehicles or quad bikes, unless the landowner has given his permission and the driver has the appropriate training, insurance, and undertaken a thorough risk assessment.
  • Use chemical spraying, clearing saws and brushcutters to remove vegetation growth.
  • Work alongside the highway or on or near water.
  • Use chainsaws.

Remember most rights of way are on private land, so you must get the landowner’s permission before carrying out work.

An example of a  Works Agreement Slip can be downloaded here- Landowner Work Agreement Slip example

How to Guides

We have put together a series of guides for the main activities that are carried out on rights of way. These include:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the work you are planning to carry out, please contact the Rights of Way Team on rightsofway@staffordshire.gov.uk

Have you considered becoming a Countryside Volunteer? All volunteers receive training, PPE and expenses; their work is supervised and they are covered by the Council’s insurance.