Health and safety at Feel the Force Day is about keeping people safe and well while enjoying the event. Everyone at the event — visitors, volunteers, crew, costumers and members of the public — has a part to play in preventing injury, responding appropriately to risks, and following safety guidance.
This brief applies across all Feel the Force Day events. Where a venue or event has additional controls, these are set out in the event-specific risk assessments.
Purpose
The purpose of this brief is to set clear, practical expectations for safe behaviour on site and to explain how to report hazards and incidents quickly.
For detailed event documentation, including event-specific risk assessments, see: Health and Safety.
Duty of Care
We aim to take sensible actions to reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes providing briefings, signage and clear reporting routes. Everyone on site must follow safety instructions and act in a way that does not put others at risk.
Risk Assessments and Controls
Risk assessments are used to identify hazards and set out control measures (what we do to reduce risk). Volunteers should read the risk assessments that apply to their role before the event.
Event-specific risk assessments are published here: https://feeltheforceday.com/health-and-safety/.
Personal Responsibilities
All attendees, volunteers and crew must be aware of hazards around them and report any unsafe conditions immediately. Follow instructions from event control, team leads or venue staff regarding safety measures. Stay alert and fit for duty, and do not perform tasks if unwell or impaired. Wear identification or protective equipment if provided. Follow all signage and instructions relating to evacuation, restricted areas and first aid.
First Aid and Emergencies
First aid arrangements and emergency contacts will be communicated on site and during briefings. If an emergency occurs, raise it immediately with a team lead or event control. If required, call the emergency services and then inform event control.
Where available for your event, you should also read the joining instructions in your account area. (Volunteers: this will be provided once your onboarding is complete.)
Common Hazards to Watch For
All events have predictable hazards. Be particularly alert to trips, slips and falls (uneven ground, cables, loose mats), crowd flow issues (blocked walkways and exits), weather risks (heat, rain, wind), fire safety (exit routes and assembly points), medical incidents (report to first aid immediately), and equipment handling (only trained personnel should move heavy or technical equipment).
If you see something that could cause harm, report it right away rather than assuming someone else will.
Incident Reporting
If you witness or are involved in an accident, near miss or safety concern: stop the activity if it is safe to do so, report it to a team lead, crew member or event control, and share clear details (what happened, where, when, who was involved and what action has been taken).
Reporting helps us improve safety at future events and prevents repeat incidents.
Venue Rules and Restricted Areas
Every venue may have specific safety requirements. Do not enter restricted areas unless authorised. Do not block emergency exits, access routes or fire points. Follow evacuation procedures and venue staff instructions immediately if directed.
Alcohol, Drugs and Fatigue
No volunteer or crew member should be on duty if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you feel unwell, overtired or unsafe to continue your role, inform your team lead immediately so duties can be adjusted.
Working With the Public
When interacting with visitors, maintain safe distances in busy areas, help guide people away from hazards, and avoid putting yourself at risk to assist. If a situation is escalating or unsafe, step back and escalate to a team lead or event control.
For expected behaviour standards, also see: Policies and Terms & Conditions.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Feel the Force Day aims to be accessible and welcoming. Some visitors may have additional needs. Keep routes clear, respect personal space and access requirements, and escalate any concerns where extra support is needed.
Proactive Safety Culture
Health and safety is not just paperwork. It is day-to-day awareness, early reporting and sensible decision making. If you are unsure whether something is safe, pause and ask a team lead or event control.
Reference to Event-Specific Risk Assessments
Detailed, event-specific Health & Safety risk assessments are available here: https://feeltheforceday.com/health-and-safety/.
Volunteers should read the relevant assessments before attending their shifts.