Crowd Control At Venues And Events (PDF ... - WorkSafe Victoria

SAFETY ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTATIONCrowd control safety and security risk assessmentAppendix 1 at the back of this Guide contains an example of a crowd controlsafety and security risk assessment form. The form is a good basic tool foridentifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with undertaking crowdcontrol activities. You can also use the form to help you create your own custommaderisk assessment process. The content of the assessment is closely linked tothe six key sections on crowd control covered in part three of this Guide.Who completes crowd control safety and security risk assessments?The assessments should be carried out by a person who understands theprocesses described in this Guide and who has experience in health, safety andcrowd control management. If the assessment is to be completed by in-housestaff, it is expected that the nominated person be an experienced member of staff.The host employer must be consulted during the assessment process, along withthose likely to be affected by the assessment where appropriate.Where crowd controllers are employed directly by a host employer, the crowdcontrol safety and security risk assessment must be completed by the hostemployer.2.2 TALKING SAFETY – WORKPLACE CONSULTATIONSafety at work for crowd controllers is best achieved and sustained when they areactively involved in the decision-making processes regarding issues that will, or arelikely to, affect their health, safety and welfare. Irrespective of this, it makes goodbusiness sense to ensure matters concerning a venue’s or event’s security arediscussed with those employed to administer such duties. This allows improvedopportunity to identify ‘gaps’ in the management of crowd control activities andmake necessary changes.Section 35 of the OHS Act requires all (agency and host) employers to consulttheir employees and independent contractors (i.e. crowd controllers), so far as isreasonably practicable, on matters that may directly affect employees’ health,safety or welfare. This must include, but is not limited to:• identifying or assessing hazards or risks arising from the activities of theemployer’s business;• deciding on measures to control these risks;• deciding on the adequacy of employee facilities;• confirming procedures for:– resolving health and safety issues arising from the activities of the employer’sbusiness;– consultation;– monitoring employee health and workplace conditions; and– the provision of information and training;• determining the membership of any health and safety committee (HSC); and• proposing changes that may affect OHS.Section 36 of the OHS Act details how employers are required to consult withtheir employees (and independent contractors) about health and safety mattersaffecting them. Basically, they must share information about OHS issues with theemployees, give them a reasonable opportunity to express their views on thosematters and take their views into account.8 WORKSAFE VICTORIA / CROWD CONTROL AT VENUES AND EVENTS