The aftermath of a pandemic: Are you prepared for in-person events?

After over a year of government lockdown regulations, for many it’s an exciting time as we brace ourselves for a summer in which some normality is restored.

But for many health and safety professionals, and the events industry, the question that’s on everyone’s thoughts is “How do we now cope with the many health and safety challenges when it comes to hosting large public events after a global pandemic?”

Before relaunching in-person experiences to members of the public, it’s crucial to determine what risks are present and to address them to create a healthy and safe environment well in advance.

To assist with your event planning, we’ve compiled 3 tips to help you prepare.

The following are general recommendations to help guide you.

1. Out of lockdown, but not out of the park yet
We may be heading towards an easing of lockdown rules, but many adults may not receive their second coronavirus vaccine until August or September according to the head of the country's vaccine taskforce.
Whilst we all are looking to the future with positivity, and while 72% of British consumers have missed attending an event since the start of the pandemic, it’s been predicted that members of the public may need to wear face coverings and socially distance for several years until we return to normality. It’s also important to consider that some individuals may be experiencing coronavirus anxiety when it comes to events, and may have health and safety on their minds more than ever before.

With this in mind, including coronavirus in your event specific medical response plan could help ease the minds of your attendees. This plan would designate responsible persons, nearby emergency services, and would cover how to isolate staff or attendees, and how to safely and quickly evacuate an event.

Alongside this, having a clear communication plan in place is vital to making your guests feel safe and comfortable.

2. Assessing the risk with a risk assessment
In any event planning, a risk assessment is always an important part of the planning process. Having a keen eye on where you could mitigate health and safety risks after a thorough assessment, is a core responsibility in any event planners toolkit.

Remember to consider any key hazards, some core ones to consider include:

• Crowd management hazards

• Crew hazards

• Fire hazards

• Child protection hazards (if you have children attending your event)

• Weather hazards

• First aid hazards

• Trip or equipment hazards

• Catering hazards

It’s also worth collaborating with your team when conducting a risk assessment, after all, they may notice things you may not.

3. Minimise risks by planning ahead
During your site induction ensure all staff working the event are informed of relevant information. If you’re the one planning the event, you are responsible for the health and safety of your staff, suppliers and the attendees, so having your risk assessment conducted, and a checklist in place means you can ensure everyone involved is safe.

Informing members of the public in advance in a pre-event announcement of the health and safety information, and on the day, will help your attendees feel informed and in safe hands throughout your event.
During the event, make sure to check risks at regular intervals.

Are you a RoSPA member?
Our members will be able to access our series of May webinars, which are focussed on Safety in Public Places for FREE. The first on the 12th May will cover the theory side of things, and the second on the 26th May will focus on putting the theory into practice.

As a RoSPA member you’ll enjoy access to a range of content that will ensure your organisation is up-to-date and is maintaining CPD.

If you’re interested in becoming a member, or would like to learn more click here, or alternatively you can call the RoSPA team on +44(0)121 248 2099 with any questions.

Stacey Bird
Communications Officer

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