Comments on: Have Tourists and Party Goers Lost the Right to Safe and Healthy Experiences?

By: Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 05:49:58 +0000

Australia has had the occasional crowd and event disaster. I am reminded of the crowd crush at a Falls Festival in Lorne some years ago. Here are a couple of links to remind us
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-01/falls-festival-organisers-defend-safety-record-after-crowd-crush/8156630
https://www.pedestrian.tv/news/falls-fest-escapes-charges-over-crowd-crush/
https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/devastated-falls-festival-organisers-apologise-crowd-crush-incident-victoria/

And WorkSafe Victoria did produce a guidance note on crowds and events but this type of advice needs to be constantly pushed onto the event organisers.
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/crowd-control-venues-and-events-practical-occupational-health-and-safety-guide

Great article, Sarah

By: Jason Wagstaffe

Jason Wagstaffe — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:03:51 +0000

Hi Sarah, your blog piece certainly is a timely reminder for those in the festival and event industry to ask questions about how their WHS is being managed. Especially the casuals and temporary employees that are hired for once off events. I have worked and consulted in the industry, on and off, for over 20 years and there are few organisations that provide very helpful safety and risk management documentation for those managing these types of event. As an example, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet provides a range of tools and resources for running significant events in NSW. Live Performance Australia also has WHS management resources. Both of these organisation address attendee and worker safety. I am also aware of a number of other organisations that also provide similar resources (all free). What I do not see, are the individuals appointed to ensure that the event is run in line with community (and legislative) expectations. I know the the event management teams that I have worked with are aware of the issues, however they never devote the “money” to implement the relevant risk control measures to ensure safety for all.

By: skillr01

skillr01 — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 22:51:38 +0000

Absolutely Kevin. There has been a cycle of incidents over many years e.g. amusement park/fair ground events, floating/jumping castles, music concerts, etc and the authorities invariably respond. However, there does not appear to have been a concerted effort to proactively manage and licence these events requisite on appropriate risk assessment and control plans. The overall societal laissez faire attitude prevails, and the “it won’t happen to me” culture pervades any attempts to rectify and address these oversights.

By: mikecraig

mikecraig — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 22:34:36 +0000

I’ve worked on a number of major events and festivals….it’s always a thorny issue to determine how safety can be done in a way that works effectively but as you are dealing with the public, how does it make the event a memorable experience for the right reasons…

I would suggest more focus is on this area and use really good research and insights from across the world to find a good solution for each event and “war game” the various scenarios of what could occur and how is to be handled and managed