Risk Assessment for Events

11th January, 2019

When hosting an event, it is essential to understand any risks involved in order to manage and mitigate them.

The information below will help you to identify any potential hazards at your event and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others. Having the correct safety measures in place will help ensure your event is enjoyable for all.

Venue

Make note of what activities are taking place at your venue and the likely audience.

• Capacity – how many can you accommodate for inside the venue? Are people likely to sit or stand? Or move around?
• Access – is there sufficient access? Are people with disabilities, wheelchairs or pushchairs able to access the venue? Are there enough emergency exits? And are they clearly signposted?
• Hazards – does the site have any existing hazards, such as overhead electric power lines that your event could interfere with? Is flooding a risk? Will the weather have an impact on pathways? Do you require outdoor lighting?
• Facilities – how far away are the nearest hospital and fire station? What are the public transport links like? Are there enough toilets and bins?

A site plan can help everyone working at the event understand the venue better and have a better understanding of the risks involved.

Trips and falls

• Make sure there is nothing in the way that could cause people to trip or fall
• Use ramps and barriers where necessary
• Block off dangerous areas

Injuries

• Have a first aid specialist on site
• Check where local emergency services are

Crowds

• Crowd management is essential
• Have processes in place that all staff can follow

Equipment

• Could it get wet?
• If it breaks down, is it a danger to people?
• Make sure people cannot trip over any wires

Environment

• Are you likely to damage grass?
• Is wildlife likely to be interrupted?

Fire hazards

• Check all electrical equipment
• Control any smoke your venue may produce – BBQs, stoves, bonfires, smoke machines

Food and drink

• How will food allergies be handled?
• How will burns be treated?
• Will there be boiling water on site?

Child protection

• What happens if children get lost?
• All staff should be DBS checked.

Insurance

Whilst having insurance in place cannot prevent things from happening, it can offer financial protection if things do go wrong. Our Events Insurance covers an array of events and can help you ensure you have thought about all risks.

Ensure you have thought about and written down all risks at your event, along with appropriate measures in place to prevent them. Always have an emergency plan in place.

Find out more about running an event safely on the HSE website here.

Speak to a member of our team here.