In the event industry, hardly any two days are alike. Stages are set up, lighting and sound equipment is installed, trusses are assembled, heavy loads are moved, and complex electrical systems are put into operation. This variety of activities makes the industry exciting—but also carries a high risk of accidents. To minimize hazards and protect the health of employees, regular safety training is essential.
Legal basis
There are various international regulations in place, each with different priorities depending on the country:
- EU: EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC requires all member states to enact regulations for safety and health protection in the workplace, including the obligation to provide regular training. This directive forms the basis for many national laws, like in Spain, France, Germany and many other EU countries.
- United Kingdom: The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the regulations of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) require that employees be trained before starting work and when changes occur in the working environment. Special “event safety briefings” are often required for large events such as festivals.
- United States: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stipulates in 29 CFR 1910.9 and other standards that employers must provide training in understandable language. In event technology, for example, special safety instructions are required for rigging work in accordance with OSHA 1926 Subpart R.
- Australia: The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Acts and associated Codes of Practice require that employees receive regular training and have their knowledge tested. In the live entertainment industry in particular, there are guidelines for stage construction, pyrotechnics, and temporary structures.
These international examples show that safety training is not a regional peculiarity, but is considered a key occupational safety tool worldwide.
Requirements for effective instruction
Safety training should not be viewed merely as a formal obligation. It must be:
- target group-oriented – i.e., adapt content and language to the qualifications and experience of employees.
- designed in a practical manner so that employees can recognize hazards and avoid them in their everyday work
- documented in order to provide evidence in the event of an emergency.
In the events industry in particular, it is important that training is not just “ticked off” once a year, but also takes place on an ad hoc basis, e.g. before the start of new productions or when new work equipment is introduced.
Why instruction is particularly important here
Unlike many other industries, the working environment at events is constantly changing:
- New locations, each with their own hazards
- Different teams and changing service providers
- Working under time pressure, often at night or outdoors
- Use of special technology that is not used on a daily basis
This dynamic increases the risk of accidents – from tripping over cables to serious injuries caused by falling loads. Safety briefings ensure that everyone involved is aware of the relevant hazards and knows how to protect themselves. They create a common understanding of safety, even if teams often only get to know each other on the day of the assignment.
Conclusion
Safety training is more than just a legal requirement in the event industry—it is a key component of accident-free productions. It helps identify risks, respond appropriately, and ensures that everyone is on the same page when it comes to safety. Those who conduct it conscientiously not only protect their employees, but also the success of the event.
How CrewBrain digitizes your safety briefings
At CrewBrain, we offer you a digital documentation option, including digital signatures for your safety briefings. This saves you the hassle of analog paperwork while ensuring that everything is neatly and completely documented. How does it work? It’s simple:
- Sign up on our website for the free trial period.
- Get instant access to CrewBrain and set up accounts for your team.
- And best of all: we offer you 45 days to try out all the features and optimize your processes.
Offer valid until revoked. Not valid for existing accounts. Please make sure that you only register your demo version via this link. If the longer trial period is not automatically assigned to your account within 3 days, simply contact us by e-mail or telephone.
