health and safety at events

Health and Safety for Events: UK Requirements

Health and Safety for Events: UK Requirements

Health and safety for events should be a top priority in the event planning process. Organising an event in the UK, whether it’s a music festival, sports competition, conference, or local fair, requires comprehensive planning to ensure the safety of attendees, staff, and the public. The UK has a robust legal framework governing health and safety, with numerous statutory responsibilities placed on event organisers.

In recent years, growing awareness around public safety has led to new legislation proposals, such as Martyn’s Law, which aims to enhance security at public venues.

This article outlines the core health and safety requirements for events in the UK and delves into the significance and scope of Martyn’s Law.

Core Health and Safety Requirements for Events in the UK

1. Risk Assessment

    Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, event organisers are legally required to conduct a risk assessment. This process involves:

    • Identifying hazards (e.g. crowd surges, fire risks, weather conditions)
    • Assessing the likelihood and severity of harm
    • Implementing control measures to mitigate risk

    The assessment must be documented if the organisation employs five or more people and should be revisited and updated as the event planning progresses.

    2. Emergency Planning

        Organisers must have contingency plans in place for emergencies, including fire, medical incidents, structural failures, and evacuation procedures. These plans should be developed in conjunction with local authorities, emergency services, and site management teams.

        3. Crowd Management

        For large-scale events, effective crowd management is critical. Measures include:

        • Controlled entry and exit points
        • Trained stewards and marshals
        • Barriers and signage
        • Real-time monitoring of crowd flow

        4. Welfare and Accessibility

        Events must provide adequate facilities for attendees and staff, including:

        • Clean drinking water
        • Hand-washing stations
        • First aid provisions
        • Accessible paths, viewing areas, and services for disabled individuals

        5. Licensing and Compliance

        Many events require specific licenses, including:

        • Temporary Event Notices (TENs) or Premises Licences under the Licensing Act 2003
        • Public Liability Insurance
        • Noise regulation compliance
        • Food hygiene and alcohol service adherence

        Martyn’s Law: Enhancing Security in Public Venues

        Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. Proposed by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, and supported by government and campaigners, the law aims to ensure that venues and event organisers are better prepared for terrorist threats.

        The proposed legislation introduces mandatory security duties for certain public venues, depending on size and capacity. Its core goals are to:

        • Ensure public venues assess terrorism risk
        • Improve preparedness for attacks
        • Mandate appropriate training and response procedures
        • Encourage proportionate and cost-effective measures

        Scope of the Law

        Martyn’s Law categorises venues into two tiers:

        • Standard Tier: Premises with a capacity of 100–799
        • Enhanced Tier: Premises with a capacity of 800 or more

        Both tiers are required to:

        • Undertake terrorism risk assessments
        • Implement reasonably practicable security measures
        • Have clear evacuation and lockdown procedures
        • Train staff on how to respond to threats

        Enhanced Tier premises face additional duties, including appointing a designated senior officer to oversee security planning and liaising with security services.

        Who Will Be Affected?

        The law will apply to a wide range of venues and event spaces, including:

        • Concert halls and theatres
        • Sports arenas and stadiums
        • Shopping centres
        • Conference centres
        • Outdoor event locations such as festivals and fairgrounds

        It is not designed to place an excessive burden on small businesses or community groups but to ensure a minimum, common standard of security preparedness.

        Implementation Timeline

        As of mid-2025, Martyn’s Law is progressing through the legislative process and is expected to be enacted soon. The UK government has committed to supporting affected businesses through guidance, training resources, and compliance assistance.

        Here at HPC, we have knowledgeable and experienced consultants who can support you with implementing safety measures and documentation for your event.

        To find out more information or to discuss health and safety requirements for events, please get in contact with our team of experts.

        T: 0330 107 1037

        E: contact@hpc.uk.com

        LinkedIn: High Performance Consultancy

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