As we mentioned in our last post ‘10 Campsite Fire Safety Rules' camping is seeing a rise in popularity, with more people in the UK choosing to camp than staying in B&B’s. The increase in popularity and number of “camping newbies” has, unfortunately, also led to an increase in campsite accident tragedies. These have largely been related to carbon monoxide poisoning, with an estimated 50 people dying each year.
The Camping and Caravanning Club released a helpful video providing invaluable advice on how to stay safe on campsites in relation to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is not the only potential danger when camping. Last time figures were collected, in 2002, more than 1,500 people visited A&E in the UK after accidents involving tents, tent poles or pegs.
(More) Safety Tips to Avoid Campsite Acccidents
- Give tents a wide birth. Sounds simple but with more than 1.5000 people going to A&E, it’s one of easiest ways to stay safe.
- If possible, choose a tent with guy ropes that are a bright colour or have fluorescent tags attached to them so people can see them in the dark.
- Try putting up your tent before you leave so it won’t be so stressful when you arrive.
- Check that you’ve got all the equipment you need before you set off on your trip. This ensures you won’t be tempted to improvise, for example using a rock instead of a mallet or a lighter instead of a torch.
- Avoid pitching your tent right under a tree (in case of falling branches) or next to a river or lake. Be especially cautious with children if you’re near water.
- Don’t obstruct walkways or tracks with your tent’s guy ropes.
- Supervise children at all times. It’s easy for children to wander off when you’re busy, especially on the first and last days of your holiday while you’re busy pitching or taking down the tent.
Camping Sites
Camping sites vary hugely in terms of facilities, some are nothing more than fields while others provide electrical sockets, bathrooms, swimming pools and restaurants. They can also vary hugely in their health and safety standards and general maintenance.
Examples of this can include:
Shower Blocks
Shower blocks should be checked by staff at regular intervals to ensure there floor is dry and free of clutter. Signs warning of wet floors and advising caution should also be on display. Failure to do this resulting in injury could result in a camper claiming personal injury compensation.
Electrical Points
It’s important that these are checked and maintained regularly. Campers injured from faulty electrical points may be able to raise a successful compensation claim against the campsite.
Swimming Pools
Unless there is a sign advising otherwise, swimming pools should be supervised by a lifeguard. It is their responsibility to keep the pool are clear of hazards, as well as providing assistance to anyone in difficulty. If an accident occurs which could have been prevented by a lifeguard and no warning signs were displayed the campsite may be liable to pay a compensation claim for personal injury.
Restaurants
If you’ve suffered from serious food poisoning as a result of food consumed in a restaurant or other commercial venue, then you may be entitled to compensation. Other forms of personal injuries in a restaurant include having hot food or beverages spilled on you and slips, trips or falls due to poor lighting, inadequate safety on stairs or spilled liquids.
If you’ve been injured as a result of poorly maintained or inadequately equipped facilities on a camping site, then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Call us on the telephone on 0800 756 7774 or fill our our online form and our friendly specialist advisors can talk to you about your situation and see if you have a valid compensation claim. There is no charge for this service and you are under no obligation to claim with us.
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/348881/Avoid-Campsite-Accidents-With-These-Camping-Health-and-Safety-Tips
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