Safety

The event organiser, whether an individual, collective or local authority, has prime responsibility for protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone. That is everyone working at the event, attending or passing by, in fact anyone potentially affected by the event. You must remember that your responsibility for the safety of members of the public even extends to burglars and vandals! If a criminal breaks in and enters your site at night and is electrocuted by a partly completed circuit, it is your fault. If he falls down an unguarded hole and breaks his leg, or is injured when an insecure tent pole falls on him you are responsible. Everything must be safe for anyone at any time.

Many events attract large numbers of people. From a commercial viewpoint that appears to be a good thing, because the larger the crowds, the more profit will be made. However, you have a duty to look beyond projected profit and exercise common sense and caution.

As has been seen over the years at some sporting events, surging crowds combined with bad crowd management can result in people being crushed to death against walls or railings. At the least, being caught in a surging uncontrolled crowd could lead to such high levels of fear and distress that in future the public will not attend your event or any other event you and your group organises.

Forget the cash incentive of attracting huge uncontrolled crowds – detailed investigation and planning is important. Plan and manage your event, know what the audience will be and ensure they are safe.

Remember, sometimes even small changes to the access routes, gates and barriers at an event can make a significant difference. With properly trained and alert staff you can gradually feed a sudden rush of people through, using different routes, ensuring that there is no pressure on them and that they all enter safely.