Introduction
Event Safety consultants play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and smooth execution of events. Be they companies like ourselves or independent freelancers. Those who professionally look after safety on events are key to the success of events. Still, there remains a need to debunk a variety of myths.
Despite the importance of both Crowd Safety and Event Safety, a wide range of myths persist. They challenge the role and the value that Event Safety consultants bring to events and to the industry.
Let’s debunk the nine most common myths about Event Safety consultants.
Hopefully we can provide a clearer understanding of the contributions of ourselves, our colleagues and our competitors who dedicate our professional lives to keeping people safe at events make.
Myth 1 – Hiring an Event Safety Consultant is Expensive
While hiring an Event Safety consultant involves costs, it can save money in the long run by preventing accidents and liabilities.
Effective Risk Management reduces potential lawsuits and damage control expenses, ultimately actually representing a high return on investment.
Plus, it’s on you as the client to ensure you get the best value out of your Event Safety partner.
Myth 2 – Event Safety consultants are only for large events
Event safety is vital regardless of the event size. Small gatherings can pose significant risks, especially in confined spaces.
Safety consultants assess risks and implement measures to ensure all attendees are protected, regardless of event size.
In fact, some of our most complex work happens on events that wouldn’t be considered ‘large’ from an audience-size perspective, such as this TRA event.
Myth 3 – ‘We Don’t Need Them. We Can Handle Safety Ourselves’
Internal teams generally (not always) lack the expertise and objectivity that professional Event Safety consultants bring to the party.
Crowd and Event Safety consultants are trained to identify and mitigate risks comprehensively, ensuring nothing is missed and that the latest safety standards are met.
Good Event Safety professionals carry with them hefty insurance policies as well as the requisite experience, qualifications and industry standing to back up the advice they give and the work they undertake.
The likes of Paul and Matt on our team are good examples of the comprehensive mix of experience and qualifications that clients should look for in their Event Safety consultants.
I’ve known some, but not many, event organisers / event management companies who can legitimately fulfil the safety function in-house.
Myth 4 – Safety Consultants Slow Down the Planning Process
Involving Event Safety consultants early in the planning process can streamline operations.
They help anticipate and prevent potential issues, leading to a smoother, more efficient event setup and execution.
We have always talked about how we should be involved as early as possible and that this generally doesn’t even necessarily cost more in the long run.
Different Event Safety consultants take different approaches to doing what they do too, so make sure you choose one that suits you.
Myth 5 – Only High-Risk Events Need Event Safety Consultants
Every event has unique risks, whether it’s a corporate meeting or a music festival.
Event Safety consultants tailor their strategies to address specific risks associated with any type of event, ensuring a safe environment for all.
While it is fair to say that events like Soundstorm are far more high risk than something like the TRA event we worked on, all events can benefit from a the attention of an Event Safety consultant. The TRA event had very particular risks that Soundstorm does not have and vice versa.
Myth 6 – Event Safety Consultants Just State the Obvious
Event Safety consultants bring specialised knowledge and experience.
We identify subtle risks that might be overlooked and provide tailored solutions. We ensure comprehensive safety measures that go beyond the obvious.
The benefit of, in most cases, years of experience in safety for events should not be underestimated. This is particularly the case, when it comes to professionals that specialise within Event Safety, be that in F&B Safety, Fire Safety or SFX, Pyro and Laser Safety.
Myth 7 – Safety Consultants Only Focus on Physical Risks
Event Safety encompasses more than just physical risks.
Consultants address health hazards, cyber threats, crowd management, emergency response, and more, providing a holistic approach to safety.
Experience counts for a lot here and, while we all start somewhere and qualifications are key, to my mind experience counts for more than qualifications, in some respects.
Not all Event Safety consultants are the same. Evaluate the experience on your partner’s team in advance of making them your partner.
Myth 8 – ‘We Don’t Need an Event Safety Consultant. Our Venue Handles Everything’
While venues often have their own safety protocols, these may not be tailored to the specific needs of your event.
An independent Event Safety consultant ensures customised safety plans that address the unique aspects of your event, providing an extra layer of protection.
We’ve always advised clients (as has our insurer) that relying on the venue to ‘box off safety’ is a bad approach to ensuring (1) the safety of your attendees and (2) the strength of your ‘defendable position‘.
Myth 9 – Safety Consultants Are Reactive, Not Proactive
A key role of Event Safety consultants is proactive planning.
We conduct risk assessments, develop emergency plans, and train staff to handle potential issues, preventing problems before they occur.
Our BEST work is done proactively, which is why we adopt the ‘Safety by Design‘ approach to what we do. ‘Safety by Design‘ is, by definition, proactive.
Conclusion
Debunking myths like these is important. That said, the proof that these things are, in fact, myths, is really in the experience of those event professionals, event organisers, clients etc. with whom us and others work.
Event Safety consultants are indispensable allies in creating safe, successful events. By debunking these myths, we hope to shed light on the critical role we and our competitors play and encourage even more event organisers to embrace our expertise.
Your event’s success and the safety of your attendees depend on informed, proactive safety arrangements.
Talk to us. We can help you get safety right.
