When you think of event planning, the fun parts usually come to mind first, finding the perfect venue, coming up with creative themes, and designing unforgettable experiences. But behind every great event, is something less glamorous (yet just as important): health and safety!
At Sunflower Event Team, we believe that safe events are successful events. With the right preparation, you can be confident that your guests feel secure, and nothing stops the good times from rolling. Here’s our quick and useful guide to event health and safety do’s and don’ts, make sure to save it!
The Do’s
1. Carry out a risk assessment
Identify potential hazards, from trip risks to electrical setups, and make a plan to minimise them. It’s much easier and much safer to solve a problem on paper than in the middle of the event.
2. Check your emergency procedures
Make sure your venue has clear evacuation routes, accessible fire exits, and a plan for emergencies. Share it with your team so everyone knows what to do.
3. Have trained first aiders onsite
Accidents happen, even at the best-run events. Having someone ready to respond (and a well-stocked first aid kit) can make all the difference.
4. Keep crowd management in mind
Whether it’s managing queues, keeping exits clear, or avoiding bottlenecks, smart crowd flow planning keeps guests comfortable and safe.
5. Communicate clearly with staff and guests
Good signage, clear briefings, and confident staff all help ensure everyone knows where to go and what to do. A little clarity goes a long way.
The Don’ts
1. Don’t ignore venue limitations
Every venue has its capabilities. Capacity limits, noise restrictions and sometimes tricky layouts. Ignoring them creates unnecessary risks.
2. Don’t skip the paperwork
Permits, insurance, and compliance checks may not feel exciting, but they protect both you and your attendees. Skipping them can derail the event.
3. Don’t let food & drink slip through the cracks
Make sure to check for food hygiene ratings, manage allergens, and make sure caterers follow safe practices.
4. Don’t assume someone else has it covered
Having both suppliers and staff, it’s easy to assume that they’ll handle it. However, the safest events happen when everyone’s roles and responsibilities are crystal clear.
5. Don’t forget accessibility
Safety also means inclusivity. Ensure your event is accessible for everyone, including wheelchair users to those with sensory needs.
Health and safety may not be the showstopper, but it is absolutely the backbone of a successful event. With the right planning and attention to detail, you’ll create an environment where guests feel secure and free to enjoy every moment.
At Sunflower Event Team, we pride ourselves in taking the stress out of this side of planning. We’ve got the expertise to make sure your event is as safe as it is spectacular.
