Time to revisit your Show Safety Plan
Working Musician Risk Management Guide
Introduction
Live performances present a variety of safety and operational risks. Although incidents at live shows are infrequent, when they do occur, they can cause significant disruption. To ensure the safety of all involved and to comply with relevant health and safety regulations, musicians and performance teams must implement proactive risk management strategies.
Make sure you read all contracts and Terms and Conditions from Agents and Venues that may include “Hold Harmless”conditions. The Queensland Workplace Health and Safety department advised us that the venue and the artist are jointly responsible to ensure that the performance on stage is safe.
This Risk Management Plan serves as a guide for working musicians to help identify potential risks, manage them effectively, and comply with legal obligations. By following this plan, artists and their teams can minimize hazards, protect their own safety and well-being, and ensure a successful performance.
Legal Requirements and Documentation for Artist Compliance
Public Liability Insurance:
Provide a copy of your current Public Liability Certificate of Currency, with a minimum coverage of $10 million.
Electrical Safety:
Ensure all electrical equipment is tagged and tested every 6 months. A valid Tag and Test Lead Certificate must be provided to the venue.
Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS):
Prepare and be able to provide a Safe Work Method Statement to the venue and buyer if requested. The SWMS should outline safety procedures and risk management measures for the event.
OHS Officer Designation:
Nominate one person within your team as the Artist OHS Officer. This individual will be responsible for conducting site inductions and overseeing safety management for all performances.
Unsafe Behavior Reporting:
Alert the venue's security team to any unsafe behavior during the performance, though the artist is not responsible for policing this behavior directly.
Fire Safety Protocols:
Pyrotechnics and flammable liquids are prohibited on stage. Open flames are not allowed during performances.
Induction and Venue Safety
Pre-Performance Safety Checks
Documentation on Hand:
Ensure that your Public Liability Insurance, SWMS, and Tagged Leads certificates are available on your mobile device for easy access.
Venue Induction:
Upon arrival, check in with the bar staff and request an OHS induction. If no OHS officer is present, ask the staff to brief you on potential risks and safety protocols. Show your safety documentation on your phone.
Venue Hazards:
Familiarize yourself with any specific hazards at the venue. This includes checking for trip hazards, crowd control measures, and emergency exit routes.
Observe SWMS:
Follow the guidelines set out in your SWMS and ensure that all band members and production crew adhere to safety practices.
Vigilance:
Be vigilant at all times for potential risks during load-in, performance, breaks, and load-out. Always look for potential hazards and take action to mitigate them.
Incident Management
Reporting and Documentation
Incident Response:
In the event of an incident, immediately report it to the venue's OHS officer.
Complete an Incident Report and submit it to the OHS officer.
Send a copy of the Incident Report to your booking agent for reference and future action.
Evidence Gathering:
Collect all relevant data, witness statements, and any available footage as part of the incident documentation.
Equipment Safety Measures
Maintenance and Use of Equipment
Safety Obligation:
It is your legal responsibility to ensure the safety of your equipment and how it is used. Check for any hazards related to your performance setup, and take steps to mitigate or eliminate them.
Risk Assessment:
For each performance, assess any potential risks related to equipment and setup. If a hazard cannot be eliminated, explore ways to reduce or control the risk.
An example includes the use of hard hats in areas where there is overhead work or securing speaker stacks to prevent them from falling.
Manual Handling and Personal Protection
Safe Equipment Handling
Lifting and Moving Heavy Items:
Ensure that heavy items are not carried manually unless absolutely necessary. Always use trolleys, ramps, or appropriate lifting aids to reduce the risk of injury.
Teamwork is essential; ensure sufficient people are available to help move heavy equipment safely.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Wear gloves when handling heavy or potentially hazardous equipment.
Depending on the situation, additional PPE such as steel-capped boots, hard hats, and high-visibility clothing may be required, especially if operating near moving vehicles or machinery.
Electrical Safety
Preventing Electrical Hazards
Safe Electricity Supply:
The venue is responsible for ensuring the electrical supply is safe, earthed, and adequately protected.
All portable electrical equipment must be inspected, tagged, and tested every 6 months.
Equipment Safety Checks:
Check for damaged casings, exposed wires, and other faults before using any electrical equipment.
Never use faulty equipment, and do not attempt to repair it with tape or other makeshift solutions.
Trip Hazards and Crowd Safety
Minimizing Trip Risks
Cable Management:
Avoid running cables across walkways or thoroughfares. Use cable strips or mats to cover cables, and ensure they are clearly marked with hazard tape.
Secure all cables to prevent tripping hazards, especially in high-traffic areas.
Speaker Stand Safety:
Ensure speaker stands are stable and properly positioned. Where necessary, use barriers or hazard tape to make them visible to avoid accidents.
Avoid Obstructions:
Ensure that there are no obstacles or trip hazards near emergency exits. Always keep these areas clear for safe evacuation if needed.
Noise Management
Hearing Protection and Safe Sound Levels
Hearing Protection:
High noise levels can cause hearing damage, especially during soundchecks or near loudspeakers. Always wear hearing protection in environments where there is a risk of high sound pressure levels.
Sound Level Monitoring:
Be mindful of your monitor levels, especially during setup and soundcheck. Ensure that crew members are not exposed to high sound levels when working near loudspeakers.
Wet Weather Preparedness
Preparation for Outdoor Performances
Equipment Protection:
Use splash-proof cable connectors and rainproof speaker covers when performing outdoors, especially if there is a risk of rain.
Keep a Wet Weather Prep Pack in your vehicle, including spare towels, non-slip shoes, and necessary PPE.
Vehicle Safety:
Before leaving for a performance, check that your vehicle is in good condition (e.g., tires, windscreen wipers, battery, lights).
Weather Monitoring:
Install weather and traffic apps (e.g., BOM, RACQ) to stay updated on inclement weather conditions and potential flooding.
Plan to leave earlier to account for potential delays due to wet weather.
Safe Load-in and Load-out:
Ensure that all equipment is kept dry during load-in and load-out. If performing outdoors, negotiate with the venue or duty manager for an alternative location if inclement weather arises.
Crowd Control and First Aid
Managing Crowd Safety
Crowd Control:
While the venue is responsible for crowd control, it is essential to be aware of potential crowd safety issues. Alert security if you notice any concerns.
First Aid:
Ensure that there is at least one qualified first aid staff member on-site. The venue is generally responsible for first-aid provisions, but you should be aware of their location and protocols.
Resources and References
Add the following Gig Compliance Documents to your phone for easy access:
Certificate of Currency Public Liability Insurance
SWMS - Safe Work Method Statement
Tagged Leads Certificate
Add these apps to your phone:
http://www.bom.gov.au/
Consider access the Injury Prevention and Management Program offered by Work Safe Queensland - access here https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/services/injury-prevention-and-management-program
Download a free SWMS Template - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jLd5_zhW8zsOpQ84ppKf-KBnGKJR6ikVzRmP6rsrgMc/edit?usp=sharing
Download a free Incident Report Template https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-fundamentals/reporting/template
Bottom Line
As an independent business owner, you are legally bound to manage risks and safety. Just because a venue doesn’t induct you, doesn’t negate your legal liability. Be accountable to your business safety at all times by following this Risk Management Guide. Proactive safety measures, proper training, and ongoing vigilance will help minimize risks and ensure that live performances are as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Always plan ahead, stay informed, and prioritize safety.
Written by Nichola Burton. I work in partnership with Agents, Artist Managers and Event Producers, who juggle a diverse range of relationships in the Musoverse, to curate, manage and measure data in systems, experience, creative and content to support the entire Musoverse operation in my enterprise A Little Pitchy Copyright 2023
