Health & Safety Risk Assessment – Group Travel to the EU

Company: Landmark Coaches Limited and Landmark Vehicle Hire Limited
Activity Assessed: Group travel by coach
Assessor: Mark Blatchly, Managing Director & Transport Manager
Date of Assessment: 1^st June 2026
Review Date: 1^st June 2028
Locations: UK road network, ports, Eurotunnel, EU/EEA road networks, service areas, hotels, attractions.
Residual Risk: Low when all control measures are applied

Scope of Assessment

Passenger safety, driver safety, vehicle safety, international travel risks, emergency situations.

PreDeparture Prepation

Hazards: Missing travel documents, incorrect manifests, unfit passengers, unsuitable luggage.
Risks: Delays at borders, denied boarding, safeguarding concerns, itinerary disruption.
Controls:

• Passenger manifest completed and checked before departure.
• Organisers briefed on passport validity, GHIC/EHIC requirements and insurance.
• Luggage restrictions communicated in advance.
• Driver conducts full vehicle safety check including emergency exits, extinguishers and firstaid kit

Residual Risk: Low.

Boarding and Disembarking (UK & EU)

Hazards: Slips, trips, falls, unfamiliar layouts at continental service areas, moving traffic.
Risks: Injury from falls or contact with passing vehicles.
Controls:

• Driver selects safe, authorised stopping points with good visibility.
• Passengers wait until the coach is stationary before approaching.
• Steps, handrails and lighting maintained to a high standard.
• Group leaders supervise boarding and headcounts.

Residual Risk: Low.

Movement Inside the Coach

Hazards: Standing passengers, movement during braking, fatigue on long journeys.
Risks: Falls, impact injuries.
Controls:

• Passengers instructed to remain seated while moving.
• Aisles kept clear; toilet use minimised during transit.
• Regular comfort breaks planned in accordance with EU driving regulations.

Residual Risk: Low.

Seatbelts and Passenger Behaviour

Hazards: Non-use of seatbelts, disruptive behaviour, cultural differences in safety expectations.
Risks: Injury in sudden braking or collision; distraction to driver.
Controls:

• Mandatory seatbelt use communicated verbally and via signage.
• Driver empowered to stop the vehicle if behaviour compromises safety.
• Group leaders support behaviour management.

Residual Risk: Low.

Luggage, Equipment and Personal Items

Hazards: Falling luggage, heavy suitcases, bulky group equipment, blocked aisles.
Risks: Head injuries, manual handling injuries, trip hazards.
Controls:

• Heavy items stored in external lockers; overhead racks used only for light items.
• Driver trained in safe manual handling.
• Aisles and emergency exits kept clear.
• Organisers asked to pre-declare oversized or specialist equipment.

Residual Risk: Low.

Road Traffic Collision (UK & EU)

Hazards: Other road users, differing driving cultures, high-speed motorways, weather, mechanical failure.
Risks: Injury to passengers, driver and third parties.
Controls:

• Vehicles maintained to DVSA and EU standards.
• Drivers trained in defensive driving and right-hand-traffic operation.
• Tachograph compliance monitored; EU Drivers’ Hours strictly followed.
• Route planning considers toll roads, gradients, tunnels and restricted zones.
• Seatbelt compliance enforced.

Residual Risk: Low.

Breakdown or Vehicle Defect Abroad

Hazards: Stranded passengers, roadside danger, language barriers, unfamiliar emergency procedures.
Risks: Injury from passing traffic, extended delays, passenger anxiety.
Controls:

• Drivers trained in safe roadside positioning on right-hand carriageways.
• Passengers remain on board unless evacuation is essential.
• European breakdown assistance contracted with multilingual support.
• Replacement vehicle dispatched promptly.
• Clear communication with group leaders and passengers.

Residual Risk: Low.

Ports, Ferries and Eurotunnel

Hazards: Slips on decks, moving vehicles, restricted access, sea conditions, confined spaces.
Risks: Injury during embarkation/disembarkation, motion sickness, confusion in large terminals.
Controls:

• Driver follows port staff instructions at all times.
• Passengers remain on board unless instructed otherwise.
• Coach secured with handbrake and chocks where required.
• Group leaders supervise passengers on ferry decks.

Residual Risk: Low.

Border Crossings and Documentation

Hazards: Delays, passenger separation, lost documents, unfamiliar procedures.
Risks: Stress, missed connections, safeguarding concerns.
Controls:

• Driver and group leaders briefed on passport checks and Schengen procedures.
• Passenger manifests maintained and checked.
• Clear instructions on staying together at border points.
• Secure storage for passports and group documents.

Residual Risk: Low.

Medical Emergencies Abroad

Hazards: Illness, pre-existing conditions, difficulty accessing medical care, language barriers.
Risks: Deterioration of condition, delayed treatment.
Controls:

• First-aid kit carried and checked.
• Emergency services contacted immediately (112 across EU).
• Group leaders responsible for known medical needs.
• Passengers advised to carry GHIC/EHIC and personal medication.

Residual Risk: Low.

Weather Conditions (UK & EU)

Hazards: Ice, snow, heatwaves, high winds, mountainous terrain, reduced visibility.
Risks: Slips, increased collision risk, discomfort.
Controls:

• Journey planning adjusted for alpine regions, tunnels and high-altitude routes.
• Air-conditioning/heating maintained.
• Safe stopping areas selected with awareness of local conditions.
• Communication with organisers if delays or route changes are necessary.

Residual Risk: Low.

Driver Fatigue and Welfare (International)

Hazards: Long driving hours, border delays, extended touring days, unfamiliar roads.
Risks: Reduced concentration, increased collision risk.
Controls:

• Full compliance with EU Drivers’ Hours and tachograph rules.
• Adequate rest breaks planned around ferries, Eurotunnel and border timings.
• Overnight accommodation provided on multi-day tours.
• Drivers encouraged to report fatigue concerns.

Residual Risk: Low.

Public Interaction at Continental Stops

Hazards: Busy service areas, unfamiliar environments, petty crime, language barriers.
Risks: Theft, lost passengers, safeguarding concerns.
Controls:

• Group leaders supervise passengers.
• Clear meeting points and timings communicated.
• Driver remains with vehicle where possible.
• Valuables kept secure; lockers locked.

Residual Risk: Low.

Fire Risk

Hazards: Engine fire, electrical fault, smoking materials, flammable items.
Risks: Smoke inhalation, burns, evacuation injuries.
Controls:

• Fire extinguishers carried and inspected.
• Strict no-smoking policy enforced.
• Regular mechanical and electrical inspections.
• Immediate evacuation if fire suspected.

Residual Risk: Low.

Conclusion

With all UK and EU control measures in place, the overall risk associated with group coach travel to the EU is low. Strong driver training, robust vehicle maintenance, clear communication, and adherence to international regulations ensure a safe, compliant and professional service across Europe.