Safety at Events

With the return of live events and festivals in the Territory, ensuring worker and community safety is paramount.

At a recent event, two safety incidents were reported to WorkSafe ACT.

  • A worker fell from a height greater than five metres and suffered significant but non-life-threatening injuries.
  • A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) was issued a prohibition notice relating to an amusement ride due to record keeping inconsistencies.

It is the responsibility of the PCBU to undertake a systematic planning process to identify all hazards, determine risks and eliminate them. It takes good preparation and on ground implementation to keep you, your workers and the public safe at your event.

The following steps should be taken to ensure worker and patron safety:

  • Adhere to work health and safety requirements and relevant Australian Standards, especially when working at heights and setting up scaffolding and staging.
  • Ensure all documentation, registrations and licences are up to date.
  • Communicate clearly with your workers and ensure all staff are properly trained, equipped and supervised for the work they are doing:
    • provide them with easy-to-understand information
    • give clear instructions on what to do:
      • in an emergency
      • in extreme weather conditions
      • if someone is away
      • if someone is injured
    • ensure they use the appropriate equipment for manual tasks, such as trolleys and sack trucks to move equipment safely
    • encourage them to report any equipment errors and fix these straight away.
  • Ensure all workers are trained and supervised when working at heights, on scaffolding, using electrical equipment, lights and leads, and operating and supervising amusement rides.
  • If you own, hire, lease, handle, store, transport, maintain or manage the use of amusement devices during the event, make sure to follow the Guide for amusement devices
  • It is the responsibility of the PCBU to ensure appropriate approvals from WorkSafe ACT are in place. Failure to gain approvals may result in activities or events being prohibited.
  • Ensure correct emergency procedures are in place and display them at a prominent space so that they’re accessible to all.
  • Regular inspections of the event site are encouraged as they can help to rectify any unknown shortcomings and avoid accident at a later stage.
  • Other things you may need to think about include:
    • getting crowds and equipment in and out of the event safely
    • signage and traffic flow
    • safety zones where the public cannot enter
    • how you communicate at the event, such as phones, two-way radio, loudspeaker.

While live events and festivals are for enjoyment, safety must be a priority. Managing work health and safety risks is the most important aspect of a successful event.

If a worker has a concern or complaint about a workplace or has seen something that doesn't feel right, an anonymous report can be submitted to WorkSafe ACT at Report a workplace concern or issue.

PCBUs can call WorkSafe ACT on 13 22 81, after hours on 0419 120 028 or email at worksafe@act.gov.au to notify an incident. Notification can also be made using the online form available on the WorkSafe ACT website.

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