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Major events and amusement rides

Health and safety resources to help event organisers plan and manage events.

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Planning an event

There are many potential hazards at events that can cause an accident, injury, illness or disease. Event organisers must consider the nature, size and complexity of an event when putting control measures into place.

Organisers and employers have a duty to identify and manage OHS risks for patrons and workers.

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Ensure the event is compliant with OHS laws.

Event organisers have a legal duty to make sure an event is safe. This includes having a qualified person to ensure the event is compliant with OHS laws. They must be able to identify hazards and have safety controls in place to reduce risks to patrons and workers.

Employing safety professionals for events

You can find a range of OHS resources on this page. Event organisers can use these to plan and manage events.

Note: information on this page is not legal advice.

Event organiser roles  

Event organisers in Victoria have a legal duty to ensure a safe environment for everyone at their event. This includes identifying, assessing, and controlling risks for patrons and workers.

Employing suitable persons  

Event organisers need a suitably qualified person to ensure the event is compliant with OHS laws. An OHS representative must be able to identify hazards and implement safety controls.  

Contractor Management  

Event organisers need to have effective systems in place for the selection and management of contractors.

Victorian Guidelines for Planning Safe Public Events  

These guidelines have been developed through the collaboration of multiple agencies to present best practice for event organisers and agencies involved in the planning of events within Victoria.

Notifiable incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004  

Understand your duties relating to notifiable incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) and dangerous goods legislation.

Public safety  

We are best known for protecting workers, but WorkSafe also has a role in protecting the general public from hazards associated with work activities.

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OHS responsibilities and duties  

Your obligations and duties to create a safe work environment.

Consultation  

Consultation between employers, workers and HSRs is essential.

Health and safety representatives (HSRs)  

Understand how to become an HSR, the powers of an HSR and an employer's obligations to HSRs.

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Latest safety updates

School holiday reminder for climbing centres  

Thursday 19 June 2025

This safety alert is for employers at indoor climbing centres. It reminds them of the risks from climbing equipment. It also reminds them of the need to maintain safety standards during busy school holidays.

End-of-year event warning on amusement ride risks  

Thursday 14 November 2024

Unsafe amusement set-ups at recent community events have prompted WorkSafe to issue a warning to organisers hiring rides for end-of-year celebrations.

Giant swing safety  

Monday 09 September 2024

WorkSafe is reminding employers about controlling risks associated with platform ladders while operating bottom mount giant swings.

Latest updates for industry

School holiday reminder for climbing centres  

Thursday 19 June 2025

This safety alert is for employers at indoor climbing centres. It reminds them of the risks from climbing equipment. It also reminds them of the need to maintain safety standards during busy school holidays.

Giant swing safety  

Monday 09 September 2024

WorkSafe is reminding employers about controlling risks associated with platform ladders while operating bottom mount giant swings.

Deteriorated fireworks and adverse weather lead to injuries at firework display  

Tuesday 16 July 2024

WorkSafe reminds pyrotechnicians to check fireworks for signs of deterioration, and to consider the weather before commencing a display.