RISK MANAGEMENT FOR PRODUCTION AND EVENTS
Risk management is a vital part of any successful and smoothly run technical production or event.
Fine-tuned risk management policies and procedures can lower operational costs & minimise any potential legal liability. They also enhance a production’s reputation and image and lead to a safer environment for event and staff.
Here is a checklist highlighting 4 key areas of critical risk management:
What to do
Develop a risk management matrix:
- Develop a risk management matrix to assist in the identification of all risks associated with the event. Once a risk has been identified and itemised, the risk’s likelihood and consequences can be assessed. That process then facilitates development of a plan for risk mitigation and response.
- For risks with catastrophic consequences (serious injury or death) consider retaining experts for specialist guidance on risk management strategies (for example crowd control experts for festivals)
Communication is critical:
- Ensure your risk management policies and procedures have been communicated to all relevant event staff and subcontractors.
- Consider using CAD plans/floorplans to carefully plan the event layout, exits and assist with allocating your event capacity. These plans can be signed off by a fire warden to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Consider appointing a dedicated risk officer.
- Regularly monitor and review strategies and their implementation. Ensure all incidents and “near misses” are documented and actioned as appropriate.
Adequate insurance protection:
- Appoint a specialist broker to ensure appropriate insurance cover is obtained.
- Legal liability insurance and workers compensation insurance is a must. Subject to the event in question, also consider obtaining Professional Indemnity cover, Directors’ & Officers’ liability cover and cancellation and abandonment insurance.
- In relation to legal liability insurance, ensure it extends to any hold harmless agreements or indemnities which may have been required by the relevant council or other approval bodies.
- Require all subcontractors to procure their own insurance and, if possible, require them to extend their cover to include you as principal.