Even if you are not a golfer you cannot have missed the press coverage about Tiger Woods’ return to competitive golf at The Masters in Augusta, GA next weekend. Of course, golfers in the UK are hoping he will make it to The Open Championship, being held again this year at "the home of golf" – St. Andrews, Scotland. Last held there in 2005, Tiger Woods was the winner then and in 2000.
However, there is a real risk that The Open will not be the same in 2010. Due to a delay in carrying out the correct risk assessments the Health & Safety Exec are considering forcing the R&A to adopt a stringent safety policy. The HS&E are considering making all spectators who stand on Old Station Road wear hardhats and safety goggles. Old Station Road runs alongside the right-hand side of the 18th fairway and is well known for balls going astray and striking spectators.
The image on the right shows a view back from the 18th green. Old Station Road runs along the left hand side as you look.
As an alternative, they are considering making the Royal & Ancient Golf Club build a nine foot-high glass wall so spectators can be protected from risk. The policy is the result of the Safety of Spectators (Miscellaneous Risks) Regulations 2010 which begin to come into effect on 1 April, starting with ‘outdoor’ spectator sports such as golf. The Regulations implement EU legislation which was enacted due to the deaths of 2 spectators at a Serie A game in Italy two years ago when they were hit by flares.
Wimbledon is also at risk from 2011. The All England club has been given permission to have ‘business as usual’ this year subject to a full risk assessment being carried out on the risk to fans being hit by tennis balls, which can still be travelling at more than 90 mph when they reach spectators.
The hunting season may well see significant changes when it recommences, although it is considered that due to the absence of control over followers, hunts may simply be required to obtain waivers of liability for injury from them.
Cricket grounds across the county will be assessed over the summer and safety measures which must be adopted by spectators at cricket matches will have to be implemented by N.Basdthe beginning of the 2011 season.
Curiously, despite the legislation being the end result of deaths at a football match, football and rugby grounds are not covered by the Regulations.
No-one from the HSE or the Royal & Ancient Golf Club was available for comment as we posted this story, but let's just hope that they get it all sorted out before July comes around and Tiger comes to town!
N.B. No, this is not a real story. Yes, this was an April Fools joke that we made available to all our clients.