Risk Assessment Example and Template
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EmmelinaErnestineRisk Assessment Example and Template
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EmmelinaErnestine2014 EVENT RISK ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE
No matter the nature or size of your event, your event will have risks. It is your responsibility as the
event organiser, to identify and manage these risks.
Event organisers can effectively manage risks by anticipating, understanding and making sensible
decisions on how to manage and control risks. This process is called Risk Management and in order to
know what risks need to be managed, a risk assessment needs to be conducted.
Why does an event need to manage risks?
Event sites and activities are considered to be places of work and there are industry acts, regulations
standards and guidelines that event organisers should be developing their procedures in accordance
with these documents. There are also high penalties for failure to comply with the regulations and the
risk of an event site being shut down by Worksafe for non compliance.
And of course, no one wants to see anyone hurt or have a bad experience at their event. If you manage
the risks and know the regulations, then damage to property or injury to the public can be avoided. For
further information on Risk Assessments please refer to the Citys 2013-2014 Event Planning Guide.
What is a Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is the process of identifying and quantifying the probability of a harmful effect to an
item or an individual. To assess risks, an objective evaluation of the risks are considered and ranked by
using a basic formula of rating the potential loss and the probability of occurrence.
HOW TO DO A RISK ASSESSMENT
FIND IT
List all of the hazards or possible situations associated with the event activity that may expose people to
injury, illness or disease. List these hazards in the hazards column of the template
Use experts or experienced people to advise you on your risk assessment.
ASSESS IT
Rate or assess what the likelihood is of people being exposed to the hazard and what the
consequences could be as a result of the hazard occurring.
Use the Risk Ranking Matrix in the template.
FIX IT
Identify what practical measures could be put in place to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of the hazard
occurring. This is where changes are made to the event to reduce the risks.
Use the hierarchy of control system to minimise or eliminate exposure to hazards.
accepted system promoted by numerous safety organisations.
It is a widely
Use the Hierarchy of Control table to guide you as to what type of controls you could put in place to
manage the hazards once you have assessed their risk level.
LIKELIHOOD
RISK RANKING MATRIX
HIGH
10
15
20
25
SIGNIFICANT
12
16
20
MODERATE
12
15
LOW
10
NEGLIGIBLE
CONSEQUENCE
NEGLIGIBLE
LOW
MODERATE
MAJOR
CATASTROPHIC
LIKELIHOOD DEFINITIONS
A high likelihood
It is expected to occur in most circumstances
There is a strong likelihood of the hazards reoccurring
A significant likelihood
Similar hazards have been recorded on a regular basis
Considered that it is likely that the hazard could occur
A moderate likelihood
Incidents or hazards have occurred infrequently in the past
A low likelihood
Very few known incidents of occurrence
Has not occurred yet, but it could occur sometime
A negligible likelihood
No known or recorded incidents of occurrence
Remote chance, may only occur in exceptional circumstance
CONSEQUENCE DEFINITIONS
Catastrophic
Multiple of single death
Costs to Event of up to $5 million
International and National Media outrage
Major
Serious health impacts on multiple or single persons or permanent disability.
Costs to Event between $2.5 $5 million
National media outrage
Moderate
More than 10 days rehabilitation required for injured persons
Costs to Event between $200,000 and $2.5 million
Local media and community concern
Low
Injury to person resulting in lost time and claims
Costs to Event between $50,000 and $200,000
Minor isolated concerns raised by stakeholders, customers
Negligible
Persons requiring first aid
Costs to Event up to $50,000
Minimum impact to reputation
How to control hazards.
By determining the consequences and likelihood of risks occurring, you can now, aim to eliminate, minimise and control
the hazards.
Use the hierarchy of control system to minimise or eliminate exposure to hazards. It is a widely accepted system
promoted by numerous safety organisations. Referring to the hierarchy will help you decide what controls to put in place
to manage the hazards once you have assessed their risk level.
HEIRACHY OF CONTROLS
ELIMINATION
Eliminate the hazard
SUBSTITUTION
Substitute the process
ENGINEERING
Change the equipment
Remove or stop the hazard if possible, remove the cause or source of the hazard, by eliminating the
machine, task or work process. If this is not practical, then substitute.
Use a less hazardous process- use a less-noisy machine for the task, or introduce a less-noisy work
process. If this is not practical, then engineer.
Introduce enclosures and barriers around or between the hazard. Improve maintenance procedures. If
this is not practical, then:
ISOLATION
Separate or isolate the hazard or equipment from people by relocation or by changing the operation.
this is not practical, then administer
If
ADMINISTRATIVE
Design and communicate written or verbal procedures that prevent the hazard from occurring. If this is
not practical, then PPE
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Provide protective equipment appropriate to the risk. Provide training information and supervision to
ensure that personal hearing protection is fitted, used and maintained appropriately. Equipment that
protects the person exposed to the hazard.
EXAMPLE RISK ASSESSMENT
The information provided in this example template document provides you with hazards and controls that are typical of
an event.
Solutions to reduce or remove the risks have also been provided. Each event is different and pose their own special
risks so it important that the event organiser thinks outside the list of examples provided in this document and considers
what the other risks may be that are unique to your event.
EVENT RISK ASSESSMENT EXAMPLE
RISK ASSESSMENT EXAMPLE
Name of Event: 2014 GEELONG SUMMER FESTIVAL
Risk Management Team: Safe and Care
Mr B. Safe and Mrs I. Care
Date of Event: Friday 20 December 2014
Site Supervisor: Bump in and Bump out
Ben Safe and Ian Safe
Location of Event: Cliff Road Reserve St Leonards
Site Supervisor: Event Delivery
Ian Safe
Hazards
Control / Actions
Responsibility
Engineering control position temporary fencing and warning signage prior to the site being
accessed and the addition of trained lifeguards.
Site supervisor
Risk rank
Event located near cliffs or bodies of water
and person falls.
15
Delivery vehicles occupying a footpath to
unload equipment and the public walking onto
the roadway.
20
Vehicles driving on public areas causing
damage to the site or a collision with a person.
16
Eliminate the hazard by reserving a parking bay close to the site or by creating an alternate
pedestrian path using bollards and signage.
Site Supervisor
Administrative control advise the contractors that they will be met on site by the supervisor, that
they are to drive at walking pace with hazard lights on.
Site supervisor
Delivery schedule developed and communicated to contractors.
Vehicle path designated with witches hats and signage
Damage to the asset from the delivery of
heavy equipment i.e generators, temporary
toilets.
Erection of temporary marquee causes an
injury to contractor or member of the public.
Administrative control pre advice to the contractors that they will be met on site by the supervisor.
16
12
Event to ensure that there is rubber matting, ply boards or terra track available on site to assist in
the deposit of heavy equipment.
Engineer the hazard by cordoning off the area with bollards and hazard tape. Site supervisor/s to
monitor the area and ensure that the public are not entering the work space.
Contractors to abide by the Victorian Construction Regulations and work in accordance with Safe
Working Method Statements.
LIKELIHOOD
RISK RANKING MATRIX
HIGH
10
15
20
25
SIGNIFICANT
12
16
20
MODERATE
12
15
LOW
10
NEGLIGIBLE
CONSEQUENCE
NEGLIGIBLE
LOW
MODERATE
MAJOR
CATASTROPHY
Event Organiser
Site Supervisor
Site Supervisor
Contractor
Hazards
Risk rank
Responsibility
Eliminate the hazard by engaging a licensed electrician makes changes to the existing power supply
Power source is overloaded and fails.
Unsafe leads or damaged leads causing
Control / Actions
12
electrocution or damage to equipment
Administer and ensure that power requirements are identified in the planning phase and adequate
supply is provided and that vendors//contractors have been pre advised that all leads and equipment
must be tested and tagged.
Event Organiser
Electrician
Engineer the hazard by using cantilevers for wet ground areas or use rubber matting or cable traps
for dry ground areas.
Gas bottle leak or explosion
Administer this control by advising contractors and vendors of the Code of Practice for the Safe Use
of LP Gas at Public Events in Victoria. Site inspection to ensure compliance.
Site Supervisor
Member of the public injured by accessing
equipment such as machinery, generators
12
Engineer the hazard by making these areas inaccessible to the public using equipment such as
pedestrian barriers, hazard tape, bollards, para webbing and warning signage. Keep equipment
locked.
Site Supervisor
Staking into the grassed areas and
damaging a water pipe, gas main or
electrical conduit. Injured contractor.
Administer this control by ensuring that the underground services are identified on the site plan
before the equipment is positioned. Dial before you Dig and transfer the information to your site plan.
Arrange to have the underground services marked on the asset prior to bump in..
Noise complaints
Administrate this control by doing a pre event assessment of what could generate noise and the
development of a Noise Management Plan that is compliant with the Environmental Protection Act.
Plan has been provided to site manager.
Administrate this control by developing a Waste Management Plan, monitor the bins and the
cleaners during the event.
Bins overflowing and litter on the ground.
Event staff
Site designer
Site Supervisor
Event staff
Event organiser
Cleaner
Site Supervisor
LIKELIHOOD
RISK RANKING MATRIX
HIGH
10
15
20
25
SIGNIFICANT
12
16
20
MODERATE
12
15
LOW
10
NEGLIGIBLE
CONSEQUENCE
NEGLIGIBLE
LOW
MODERATE
MAJOR
CATASTROPHY
Hazards
Risk rank
Control / Actions
Responsibility
Inadequate public toilets causing queuing
and complaints
Administer this control by doing a pre event assessment of the amount of toilets required.
Event organiser
Inadequate free drinking water supply
causing dehydration
Administer this control by doing a pre event assessment of the amount of water available on or close
to the site. Order a drinking fountain or arrange to give bottled water away for free.
Event organiser
Temporary infrastructure blows away and
causes injury to person or equipment
12
Eliminate this risk by ensuring that all light weigh equipment is adequately weighted or harnessed.
Administer the control by monitoring the wind speeds prior to and during the event.
Event organiser
Inflatable rides become unstable in high
winds and injures a person.
Eliminate this risk by checking that the provider has adequately pegged and weighted the equipment
in accordance with the structures safety management plan.
Site Supervisor
Animal nursery causes gastro or another
similar infectious disease.
Eliminate this risk by ensuring that the contractor has agreed to abide by the State Government
Department of Health Guidelines. Check that the provider has provided adequate hand washing
facilities.
Animal Nursery
A mechanical ride causes a person to be
injured on a hazardous object.
Eliminate the risk by checking the ride set up prior to public use. Shut down any unsafe rides and do
not permit operation until the hazard has been rectified. Continue to monitor the rides throughout the
event.
Site supervisor
Performer unable to access a stage due to
accessibility issue.
Eliminate the risk by requesting that a ramp is provided with the stage and that it is compliant with
the Building Code of Australia.
Staging Company
Performer injures themselves when
walking down stairs or ramp from stage
Eliminate the risk by installing a handrail.
Staging Company
LIKELIHOOD
RISK RANKING MATRIX
HIGH
10
15
20
25
SIGNIFICANT
12
16
20
MODERATE
12
15
LOW
10
NEGLIGIBLE
CONSEQUENCE
NEGLIGIBLE
LOW
MODERATE
MAJOR
CATASTROPHY
Site supervisor
Air Castle operator
Site Supervisor
Hazards
Risk rank
Control / Actions
Responsibility
Administrate this control by ensuring that prior to the event; all food vendors have relevant food
vendor permits from the City of Greater Geelong Health Unit.
During the event, do spot checks to ensure that they are complying with the permits requirements. .
Site Supervisor
Person contracts food poisoning at the event.
Public or staff member receives sun burn, heat
stroke or dehydration.
Control the hazard by providing sun screen and making shade available. Monitor the weather and
plan for work to be conducted in the early or late hours of the day.
Site Supervisor
Child is separated from their guardian.
Administrate this control by setting up a Lost Childrens area and policy.
Site Supervisor
Crowd crush injury if site was evacuated in an
emergency.
12
Administrate this control by developing and communication and evacuation plan.
Person on site requires an ambulance but the
ambulance is not able to access the site.
12
Administrate this control by identifying an emergency vehicle access path onto the site and
ensuring that it stays clear of objects during the event.
Safety Officer
Person receives a minor injury on site
Administrate this control by ensuring there are adequate qualified first aiders on site during the
event.
First Aid
Small fire on site causes damage to equipment
Administrate this control by ensuring there are adequate fire extinguishers on the right site.
Eliminate the risk of a larger fire by ensuring staff are trained in using fire extinguishers and that a
Fire Management Plan and Emergency Response has been developed and approved by the CFA.
Inappropriate behaviour from intoxicated
person
Administrate this control by ensuring responsible service of alcohol and security on site.
Administrate this control by developing an Extreme Weather Policy and Contingency plan.
LIKELIHOOD
RISK RANKING MATRIX
HIGH
10
15
20
25
SIGNIFICANT
12
16
20
MODERATE
12
15
LOW
10
NEGLIGIBLE
CONSEQUENCE
NEGLIGIBLE
LOW
MODERATE
MAJOR
CATASTROPHY
Security
Safety Officer
Site Supervisor
Site Supervisor
Safety Officer
Alcohol Provide
Security
RISK ASSESSMENT TEMPATE
Name of Event:
Risk Management Team:
Date of Event:
Site Supervisor: Bump in and Bump out
Location of Event:
Site Supervisor:
Hazards
Risk rank
Control / Actions
Responsibility
LIKELIHOOD
RISK RANKING MATRIX
HIGH
10
15
20
25
SIGNIFICANT
12
16
20
MODERATE
12
15
LOW
10
NEGLIGIBLE
CONSEQUENCE
NEGLIGIBLE
LOW
MODERATE
MAJOR
CATASTROPHY
Common questions
Powered by AITo manage crowd safety and prevent crowd crush injuries in an emergency situation during an event, organizers should develop a robust communication and evacuation plan. This plan should include clear signage, designated escape routes, and trained personnel to guide the crowd efficiently. Additionally, practicing drills and coordinating with security and emergency services would ensure a swift response. Ensuring access paths are always clear and distributing the crowd evenly across the venue can also mitigate risks. Continuous monitoring of crowd density and behavior is essential for real-time adjustments .
Event organizers use the Risk Ranking Matrix to evaluate and prioritize risks based on their likelihood and consequences. Each risk's likelihood is assessed from negligible to high, and each potential consequence is categorized from negligible to catastrophic. The intersection of these measures on the matrix provides a risk rank, guiding organizers on where to focus their management efforts. For instance, a risk with a high likelihood and catastrophic consequence requires immediate attention, whereas a negligible likelihood with a low consequence may be lower priority .
Consequence definitions categorize the severity of outcomes should a risk materialize, ranging from negligible (minor first aid needs) to catastrophic (multiple deaths and significant financial loss). These definitions enable event organizers to quantify potential impacts systematically, and when combined with likelihood assessments, they form part of a risk matrix that helps prioritize risk mitigation efforts. By clearly defining consequences, organizers can better visualize potential worst-case scenarios and allocate resources effectively to prevent or minimize these outcomes during an event .
Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as a control measure in event risk management is generally considered the least effective, as it involves placing responsibility for safety on individuals rather than eliminating or reducing the hazard itself. PPE can provide essential protection in situations where other controls are insufficient or unfeasible, but its effectiveness depends on proper use and maintenance, which requires ongoing training and monitoring. Therefore, PPE is best used as a secondary measure, complementing more robust control strategies like elimination or engineering controls .
Involving experienced individuals in the risk assessment process is crucial as they can provide valuable insights into potential hazards that may not be immediately apparent to less experienced personnel. These experts, through their knowledge and past experiences, can help in identifying risks accurately, assessing their likelihood and potential impact, and suggesting effective control measures. This collaboration enhances the overall quality and reliability of the risk assessment, ensuring comprehensive management and safety plans are in place for the event .
In the context of event risk management, Administrative Controls involve changes to the way people work or interact with potential hazards, often through training, policies, and procedures, such as scheduling and signage. Engineering Controls focus on physically altering the environment to isolate people from risks, such as barriers or enclosures. Administrative controls are generally easier and quicker to implement but may rely heavily on human compliance and discipline, while engineering controls tend to offer more permanent solutions but can require significant upfront time and resources to establish .
Pre-event assessments play a crucial role in managing potential hazards by providing a proactive framework to identify and address deficiencies in facilities or environmental conditions before they pose risks to attendees. Such assessments allow organizers to anticipate challenges like insufficient restrooms, inadequate water supply, or extreme weather, and develop contingency plans. These assessments are vital for resource allocation, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and setting realistic logistical expectations, ultimately enhancing the safety and success of the event .
The primary purpose of conducting a risk assessment for an event is to identify and quantify the probability of potential hazards that may cause harm to individuals or property. This enables event organizers to make informed decisions on how to eliminate or control these risks. Failure to manage risks effectively can result in high penalties for non-compliance with industry regulations, potential shutdowns of the event site by authorities like Worksafe, and increased chances of accidents or injuries during the event, leading to a negative experience for attendees .
The Hierarchy of Controls is a system used to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards by prioritizing the most effective control measures. The sequence is as follows: Elimination (remove the hazard), Substitution (replace the hazard with a less dangerous option), Engineering Controls (isolate people from the hazard), Administrative Controls (change the way people work), and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (protect the individual with equipment). For example, in an event scenario, elimination might involve reserving a parking bay away from pedestrians to avoid collisions, while engineering controls could include installing barriers to prevent public access to hazardous areas .
It is necessary to tailor risk assessments to the unique risks of each event because standard templates may not account for all specific variables or unusual circumstances that arise in different settings. Using a one-size-fits-all approach can lead to overlooked risks that are unique to the event's location, type, or audience. Therefore, while standard templates provide a useful starting point, they must be adapted to address the specific context and challenges of each event, ensuring comprehensive risk management and safety for all participants .
