Open Air Event Insurance – Making sure you’re covered and your event is safe
With summer fast approaching, up and down the country people and organisations are preparing to host open air events of many different kinds, from small community galas to large-scale music events with tens of thousands in attendance.
Whatever the type of outdoor event, there are certain things that you need to be aware of, both in order to safeguard the safety of your guests and to ensure that you/your organisation is protected if anything goes wrong. In fact, as the organiser, you are responsible for health and safety of those present, including event staff.
Safety concerns and requirements
In planning and organising your event there are a number of things that you need to consider, in terms of keeping people safe, and for fulfilling your legal obligations as an event organiser.
Risk assessments – You must carry out a full risk assessment, and identify any possible hazards to guests and event staff/ volunteers. You are also required by law to take any reasonable actions to mitigate those risks and their potential effects. You need to keep a written record of these plans.
Fire safety – According to the Health and Safety Executive’s ‘Event Safety Guide’, outdoor venues such as parks and fields are required to have a sufficient number of exits of adequate size for the number of people in attendance. These are required to be unlocked at all times and staffed by stewards for the duration of the event. You can find out more in the Government’s ‘Fire Risk Assessment’ guide.
First aid – You are also required to provide first aid cover to guests and event staff. The number of first aiders you need will depend on the size of your event.
Employee safety – Outdoor events are covered by the regulations set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, so make sure you are aware of these and act upon any requirements as needed.
Insuring your event
Once you’ve taken all necessary precautions and fulfilled your legal obligations, you should take steps to protect yourself and your fellow organisers. There are a number of different aspects of open air event insurance you need to consider:
Public liability insurance – Though not mandatory, this is essential as it will protect you in the event that anyone at your event suffers injury or loss at your event and seeks compensation.
Employer’s liability insurance – You will legally require this to cover yourself in the event that a member of the event team suffers injury or loss.
Equipment/ stock cover – Any equipment such as inflatables, stalls and sound stages may represent a considerable investment, so you need to ensure that you’re financially protected if they are deliberately or accidentally damaged or stolen.
Cancellation and adverse weather insurance – If your event has to be cancelled for unavoidable reasons, cancellation insurance can cover you for your irrecoverable costs.
Need to get covered?
If you want some friendly advice or a competitive quote on open air event insurance get in touch with Park Insurance.