May Day madness not a problem for Lloyd’s
2 May 2008
For most people, the first weekend in May is simply another bank holiday, but for others pulling off crazy stunts and protesting for peace, is all within the typical May Day traditions.
In 2005, a group of cheeky anarchists – the Space Hijackers – sent out a letter challenging 600 politicians to a game of May Day cricket, accusing them of 'not acting in an honourable fashion' over going to war with Iraq.
Students studying in Oxford also participate in the festivities of the merry month of May by jumping off Magdalen Bridge into the River Cherwell which, only being two feet deep, has resulted in numerous injuries over the years.
Over the weekend, various activities will be held at several venues including abseiling, climbing, kayaking, archery and a biker run in Hastings with 10,000 riders taking part.
Vicky Jacomb, Team Leader of the Charity Assured Team for Lloyd’s broker Aon, said: “As a result of the weather being more settled and the first of May marking the end of the harsh winter months, a lot more people start venturing outdoors and the activities become slightly more adventurous. As long as the companies who host these events take a common sense approach, then there shouldn’t really be any problems.
“With regard to the biker run, the safest option would be to stagger the start and to ensure that enough barriers are put up to keep public and bikers apart.
“As for the abseiling and climbing events, ensuring that safety precautions are in place such as suitable clothing, footwear and helmets are worn is a necessity.”
Often with high risk activities, such as the ones mentioned, premium rates can prove to be quite costly so it is important for companies to try and find the right cover, Jacomb warns.
“Insurance is always available, with Public Liability being the typical cover, but premiums can be costly when dealing with high risk activity,” she adds. “It is very much dependent on age, as with a young person who has the rest of their life ahead of them, perhaps studying to become a lawyer who can no longer fulfil their career choice as a result of an accident, their potential earnings would have to be added to the compensatory damages.
“However, the general public have as much responsibility to look after themselves as the companies involved in organising the events.
“Everyone wants to have fun but they don’t want to get hurt. Lloyd’s is one the best places to go to insure against high risks.”
Last updated on 02 May 2008
