For the first time Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) brought together safety managers from Australian venues to discuss streamlining processes for events that rotate around the country.
The recent Safety Managers Forum, held at the MCEC, provided representatives the opportunity to share safety initiatives, discuss OH&S legislation and initiatives to standardise processes nationally.
The Centre have significantly invested in safety over the last twelve months with the addition of a dedicated safety manager, Sharon Friedman who joined the venue in August 2012.
“It was great to have everyone together to openly chat about common challenges and discuss the safety practices that can be applied across our industry,” said Friedman.
“If we all work to the same risk assessments, floor plans and same guidelines, the rotation of events to other venues will be a seamless one for our customers and contractors – enhancing the overall event experience.”
Forum topics included issues relating to safety vests and footwear, children on-site, event risk management, floor plans, construction and rigging activities, WHS Legislation and the EEAA Safety Program.
MCEC invited leading law firm HR Legal to provide an overview of OH&S law which included a background on new legislation, legal issues and how this affects each state of Australia.
Attendee and host of the inaugural forum in 2011, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Risk and Safety manager Llyris Young, “These forums give us the opportunity to share experiences, ideas and knowledge to positively influence safety within our own businesses and throughout industry.
“The discussions are proving invaluable for maintaining a focus on common goals and driving consistency across the venues.”
Exhibition Park Corporation general manager Liz Clarke said: “At a time when all venues large and small, and with an incredibly diverse range of business, face an environment of increased scrutiny and regulatory demands it was valuable to be able to share ideas and learn from the experience of others.
“Standardisation of safety processes is an important initiative and can be better progressed, to the benefit of us all, through the continued work of the safety forums.”
Venues represented at the forum included MCEC, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Adelaide Convention Centre, Sydney Showground and Exhibition Park in Canberra.
The next forum will be held in August/September and aims to rotate venues nationally every six months for attendees to share information and ensure all venues are across relevant safety practices and legislation.
