Events Risk Assessment
The University of New England has an obligation to provide a safe environment to all staff, visitors, service providers and
students who attend or provide services for events. Ensuring a safe environment is the responsibility of the event owner
and requires a risk management matrix to be completed. This section of the Event Synopsis Form is designed to assist
event owners in identifying potential risks and hazards and completing a risk matrix.
Below is a list of event issues that need to be taken into consideration when completing the risk matrix:
Amenities
Emergency service access
Insurance
Smoking legislation
Responsible services of alcohol
Cultural awareness
Image release form
Legal
Are suitable amenities available for the number of invitees
Are clear access available for emergency services at the event
Have you considered public liability and other insurance as required
Have all smoke legislative requirements been met
Have all RSA legislative requirements been met
Have you familiarized yourself with potential cultural sensitivities
Are the necessary paperwork in place – NB when children are involved
Have you submitted any documents with legal implications to Legal Services for
review
To manage risk event owners need to control risks associated with hazards using the risk assessment process below:
-
Identify potential risks for your event
Access the likelihood for each risk using the risk analysis matrix below
Assess the impact of each risk
Decide on control measures
Note who will be responsible for managing the risk by implementing the control measures
Risk Analysis Matrix
(Source: From HB 205-2004 Occupational Health and Safety Risk)
Likelihood
Level
A
B
C
D
E
Descriptor
Almost certain
Likely
Moderate
Unlikely
Rare
Description
Expected to occur in most circumstances
Will probably occur in most circumstances
Should occur at some time
Could occur at some time
May occur only in exceptional circumstances
Impact
Level
1
Descriptor
Insignificant
2
Minor
3
Moderate
4
Major
5
Catastrophic
LIKELIHOOD
A
B
C
D
E
Description examples
No injuries
Low financial loss
First Aid treatment involved
Medium financial loss
Medical treatment required
Major financial loss
Extensive injuries
Major financial loss
Offsite release with no detrimental effects
Loss of service
Death
Huge financial loss
Impact
1
S
M
L
L
L
2
S
S
M
L
L
3
H
S
S
M
M
4
H
H
H
S
S
Legend
H
S
M
L
Updated 7 January 2014
5
H
H
H
H
S
High risk
Significant risk
Moderate risk
Low risk
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Risk Management Plan
Activity
Example
Signing a MoU
Risk
Likelihood of occurring
Impact
Level of Risk
Control Measure
Responsible to
Manage
Stall in contract
negotiations
Unlikely
Major
Moderate
Event owner
Contact number
Visa delays for
international visitors
Possible
Major
Moderate
Ensure agreement is
reached on a MoU at
least 2 weeks before
event date and that
Legal Services have
review it
Consider country
specific visa issuing
requirements (i.e. it
takes longer to obtain
a visa from China than
US) as part of the
planning process.
Prioritise letters of
invite from VC.
Event owner
Contact number