Health, Safety and Insurance Statement

The York Archaeological Trust fully recognises the responsibility it takes when inviting school groups and the general public onto an archaeological excavation under current Health and Safety legislation. Access to all sites is controlled by the Trust’s Safety Officer and detailed risk assessments are undertaken before any site is opened to visitors.

For sites open for public viewing, fixed barriers and step-free pathways are installed to allow safe, clearly defined access for all including those who use pushchairs or wheelchairs. Walkways are checked daily to ensure they are properly maintained. In addition staff are on hand to insure that visitor numbers do not exceed safe levels and to explain the excavation.

On occasions where visitors are able to take part in hands-on archaeological activities, these take place in clearly defined areas of the sites. The Trust provides safety equipment (gloves, goggles and aprons as necessary) and supervision (1 member of staff per 10 pupils). We expect school groups of up to 30 pupils to be supervised by at least 2 adults one of whom must be a qualified treacher. Children with special needs (including those who behave unpredictably) will require extra extra adult supervision provided by the school.

Activities days for children and young people are run by a qualified teacher whose details have been submitted to the Criminal Records Bureau, and other adults with an adult child ratio of 1:5.

Because of the depth of the treches on the excavation workshops participants are not able to excavate undisturbed deposits.

The York Archaeological Trust has an public liability insurance policy that provides £10,000,000 cover.