IOSH Sports Grounds and Events Day was a Game Changer

The IOSH specialist group networking event held at Warwick racecourse on Tuesday 12 November 2013 was a great success. With over 150 attendees from a wide range of industries from public sector bodies to independent events companies, all had a keen interest in the implications of the HSE Fee for Intervention (FFI) strategy which suggests a much closer scrutiny from construction industry trained inspectors of sports grounds and events safety management, and the potential implications of the proposed new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).

Surrounded by the stunning views of Warwick racecourse, lively discussions and debates set the pace of the sessions during the day covering CDM, FFI, event preparations, planning and associated challenges. There was much commentary throughout the day on many aspects of CDM, with delegates dividing into separate syndicates to discuss and present issues including the overlap of responsibilities, legal compliance and the practical implications of implementing CDM in the events industry.
Prior to lunch the attendees enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of Warwick Racecourse full of historic charm as the oldest in the country dating back to the 1700s.

David Bryan CMIOSH RMaPS, Senior Health and Safety Consultant at Astutis, accredited training provider, led a presentation covering the requirements of existing CDM and other legislation in linking effective events planning and risk assessment, the influence of human factors, and the function of effective risk assessment in defence of enforcement actions.  “It has been very productive and informative to be part of this event, which has focused on the key practical and legal health and safety issues in events management.”  Feedback on the day was very positive with delegates gaining a clearer insight into the use and importance of effective events risk management codes of practice, and as one attendee put it, “an amazing day - very pleased and indeed proud to be a part of it.”

If you are interested in talking about issues raised at the event or wish to discuss your organisational health and safety training needs, click here to send your question.