Product Overview

This Event Operations Catering and Ticketing Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for event-based activities involving catering, crowd interaction, and ticketing operations, supporting strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of event operations safety, from food service and backstage movement to ticket booth management and outdoor promotional work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Arranging catering for events, including safe food handling, storage, preparation, allergen management, and service in crowded or confined spaces
• Managing backstage hurry and movement during theatre performances to prevent slips, trips, collisions, and manual handling injuries in low-light conditions
• Coordinating and delivering catering and support services at funerals with attention to respectful conduct, vehicle and pedestrian interaction, and site-specific hazards
• Generating leads and engaging with patrons in crowded events while controlling risks from pushing, jostling, trip hazards, and aggressive behaviour
• Conducting outdoor promotional activities in busy streets, including pedestrian management, traffic interface, weather exposure, and use of portable equipment
• Operating and supervising stadium tours, including group movement on stairs and elevated areas, emergency egress, and restricted area access controls
• Ticket booth operations, including queue management, cash handling security, ergonomic workstation setup, and managing difficult or intoxicated patrons
• Set-up and pack-down of event furniture, marquees, signage, and barriers with appropriate manual handling techniques and use of trolleys or mechanical aids
• Use of portable electrical equipment (EFTPOS, lighting, catering appliances) with tagging, inspection, and protection from weather and trip hazards
• Managing noise, lighting, and crowd density in performance and stadium environments to minimise fatigue, disorientation, and communication errors
• Emergency response planning for fire, medical incidents, crowd crush, and evacuation during events, tours, and performances
• Safe operation of vehicles and small plant (such as catering vans or golf buggies) around pedestrians at event venues and public spaces

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for event organisers, catering providers, theatre and venue managers, stadium and tour operators, ticketing companies, and site supervisors responsible for managing WHS risks in event and crowd-based environments.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on providing a safe physical environment for workers and patrons at events and venues
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls for event operations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for stairs, elevated platforms, grandstands, and backstage access ways
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Guidance on manual handling risks when moving catering supplies, furniture, and equipment
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid arrangements at events, theatres, and stadiums
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment: Requirements for inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment used in catering, ticketing, and promotional activities
• AS 1428 Design for access and mobility (series): Guidance on accessible routes, facilities, and seating for patrons and workers
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017