Risk Assessment for Coach Transport for School Trips

Company: Landmark Coaches Limited and Landmark Vehicle Hire Limited
Activity Assessed: Transporting school children and staff on a coach journey
Assessor: Mark Blatchly, Managing Director & Transport Manager
Date of Assessment: 1^st February 2026
Review Date: 1^st February 2028
Location: UK and Europe road network, pickup points, destinations, and rest stops

Scope of Assessment

This assessment covers all health and safety risks associated with transporting school groups by coach, including boarding, disembarking, travel on public highways, emergency situations, and interactions at stops or destinations.

Key Hazards & Control Measures

• A. Boarding and Disembarking
  • Hazards
    • Slips, trips, falls on steps or pavement
    • Children stepping into traffic
    • Congestion around the coach door
  • Control Measures
    • Driver positions coach safely, close to kerb, hazard lights on.
    • Group leaders supervise boarding/disembarking.
    • Pupils instructed to wait until the coach is fully stopped and door opened.
    • Steps and handrails kept clean, dry, and well-lit.
    • No pupil allowed to cross the road unsupervised.
• B. Movement Inside the Coach
  • Hazards
    • Falls while walking in the aisle
    • Injury from sudden braking
  • Control Measures
    • Pupils remain seated at all times.
    • No standing, walking, or changing seats while moving.
    • No seat sharing allowed.
    • Group leaders ensure staff are seated throughout the coach to supervise pupils. Disruptive pupils should sit near staff.
    • Driver reminds group leaders if unsafe behaviour occurs.
    • Aisles kept clear of bags and equipment.
• C. Seatbelts and Passenger Behaviour
  • Hazards
    • Injury in collision due to lack of restraint
    • Distraction to driver
  • Control Measures
    • All seats fitted with 3-point or lap belts.
    • Mandatory seatbelt use; group leaders monitor compliance.
    • Clear behaviour expectations communicated before departure.
    • Driver empowered to stop the vehicle if behaviour compromises safety.
• D. Luggage and Equipment
  • Hazards
    • Falling bags from overhead racks
    • Tripping hazards in aisle
    • Heavy items causing injury during loading
  • Control Measures
    • Overhead racks used only for light items. Glass items must not be stored overhead.
    • Heavy bags stored in luggage hold.
    • Aisles kept completely clear.
    • Driver supervises loading/unloading.
• E. Road Traffic Collision
  • Hazards
    • Injury to passengers
    • Vehicle damage
    • Emotional distress
  • Control Measures
    • Drivers fully qualified, DBS-checked, and trained in school transport safety.
    • Vehicles maintained to PSV standards with daily checks.
    • Journey planning avoids high-risk routes where possible.
    • Seatbelts worn at all times.
    • Group leaders familiar with emergency exits.
    • Emergency equipment carried (first aid kit, fire extinguisher, break glass hammers).
• F. Breakdown or Vehicle Defect
  • Hazards
    • Stranded passengers
    • Exposure to traffic
    • Panic or disorder
  • Control Measures
    • Driver follows company breakdown procedure.
    • Passengers remain on board unless unsafe.
    • If evacuation required, pupils moved to a safe area away from traffic.
    • Replacement vehicle dispatched promptly.
• G. Emergency Evacuation
  • Hazards
    • Falls or injury during evacuation
    • Confusion or panic
  • Control Measures
    • Driver trained in evacuation procedures.
    • Group leaders briefed on exits and muster points.
    • Evacuation only when remaining on board is unsafe.
    • Pupils assembled safely away from the carriageway.
• H. Medical Emergencies
  • Hazards
    • Allergic reactions, asthma attacks, illness during travel
  • Control Measures
    • Group leaders responsible for medical information and medication.
    • Driver informed of critical medical needs before departure.
    • First aid kit available on board.
    • Emergency services contacted if required.
• I. Weather Conditions
  • Hazards
    • Slippery surfaces
    • Reduced visibility
    • Heat or cold exposure
  • Control Measures
    • Driver adjusts speed and driving style to conditions.
    • Appropriate use of lights/fog lights.
    • Air conditioning/heating used appropriately.
    • Extra caution during boarding in poor weather.
    • Journey delayed or rerouted if unsafe.
• J. Driver Fatigue and Welfare
  • Hazards
    • Reduced concentration
    • Increased risk of collision
  • Control Measures
    • Adherence to Drivers’ Hours Regulations.
    • Rest breaks planned into itinerary.
    • No pressure to exceed safe limits.
    • Driver provided with water and rest facilities.
• K. Public Interaction at Stops
  • Hazards
    • Pupils mixing with the public
    • Risk of lost child
    • Roadside dangers
  • Control Measures
    • Group leaders supervise movement off the coach.
    • Headcounts at every stop.
    • Pupils briefed on boundaries and behaviour.
    • Coach parked in safe, designated areas.
• L. Fire Risk
  • Hazards
    • Electrical faults
    • Engine fire
    • Smoking or prohibited items
  • Control Measures
    • No smoking or vaping permitted.
    • Fire extinguisher checked and accessible.
    • Regular vehicle maintenance reduces risk.
    • Evacuation procedures followed if fire detected.

Responsibilities

Company Management

• Ensure vehicles meet all legal and safety standards.
• Provide competent, trained, DBSchecked drivers.
• Maintain up-to-date policies and emergency procedures.

Driver

• Conduct daily walkaround checks.
• Drive safely and professionally.
• Enforce seatbelt use and report unsafe behaviour.
• Follow emergency and breakdown procedures.

School Group Leaders

• Supervise pupils at all times.
• Ensure behaviour is safe and appropriate.
• Manage medical needs and carry medication.
• Conduct headcounts and maintain pupil registers.

Passengers (Pupils)

• Wear seatbelts at all times.
• Follow instructions from staff and driver.
• Remain seated and behave responsibly.

Residual Risk

With the above control measures in place, the residual risk is considered low and acceptable for school transport operations.

Review & Monitoring

• Assessment reviewed every two years or after any incident.
• Feedback from schools and drivers used to improve safety.
• Any changes in legislation or best practice incorporated promptly.