Navigating event risk assessments can feel like venturing into a realm of dread for many, myself included. The mere mention of assessing risks can send shivers down the spine. Who wants to spend time planning for unlikely accidents and contemplating worst-case scenarios? But let me tell you, recent enlightenment has changed my perspective entirely. After completing the IOSH Event safety course, I’ve come to realise that risk assessments are not just bureaucratic hoops; they’re your lifeline. Yes, you heard me right, your freedom could hinge on them! (Okay, maybe not in everyday scenarios, but trust me, it’s serious business).
A well-crafted risk assessment demonstrates that you’ve thought through potential issues and implemented measures to mitigate risks. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offer a straightforward 5-step guide to risk assessments. Let me break it down for you with some handy examples:
Identify the hazards
Hazards lurk in every corner of an event environment. Think electricity supply to stands, electrical equipment, precarious ladders, inappropriate footwear (flip-flops around heavy equipment? Not a smart move), and unruly cables.Assess Potential Harm
Consider who could be at risk: event staff, contractors, attendees, venue personnel. They might trip over a cable, get injured by falling objects, take a tumble from a ladder, or suffer an electric shock from faulty equipment or even hurt themselves due to over indulging on alcohol.Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
Now you know the hazard you need to decide how likely it will be that it will cause harm to someone. You are not expected to eliminate the risk completely as that would be impossible but you need to think how you can minimise the likelihood of it happening. For example, a simple precaution would be to secure all cables to the ground, ensure staff have had manual handling training and have all your equipment PAT tested in advance of the event.Record your significant findings
Make a record of all your findings. Below is a template that you can use for your event risk assessments that has been tried and tested. You can modify it to meet your needs there is no right or wrong version just what works for you.Click here to get your copy of our  Risk Assessment Template
Review your assessment and update if necessary
New issues always arise so it good to continually review and update or renew your assessments for new or recurring event.By following these steps, you can tackle event risk assessments with confidence, knowing you’ve taken proactive measures to safeguard everyone involved. So, fear not the dreaded risk assessment—embrace it as your ally in creating safer, more secure events.
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Happy Planning
The Faulty Planner xx
Great advice