In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and special guest co-host Kevin Kloesel welcome DTN Solution Engineer and Meteorologist Brad Nelson for a discussion about, as you guessed, weather, with a focus on extreme heat. They explore how heat has become the leading risk to live events, the lasting impacts of heat illness, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, OSHA's proposed heat rule, and why consulting a professional meteorologist is more important than ever.

Links: 

DTN

OSHA's Proposed Heat Rule

ANSI ES1.7-2001 Event Safety - Weather Preparedness

Virtual Weather Planning Workshop

Have you ever looked at a certificate of insurance and felt confused or overwhelmed by the details? Do you really know what that information means and how it protects you (or, worse, leaves you unprotected)?

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Hub International Vice President of Marketing Sue McGuirl joins Danielle and special guest co-host John Badcock for an in-depth look at insurance certificates. Discussion includes the purpose of a COI, how to interpret its contents, red flags to look out for, special considerations, and more.

Notes:

Certificate of Insurance Samples (ZIP File)
 

It's so much more than tennis! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve head down under (virtually) for a chat with Lee Ross and Martin Luders, part of the highly skilled safety and compliance team for the Australian Open. Discussion includes what goes into producing an event of this scale, weather planning, compliance, and how they prepared to manage this year's record-breaking attendance. 

It may be cold outside, but the latest edition of The Event Safety Podcast is RED HOT. In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kevin Kloesel for an update on what's happening in the event weather space. Discussion includes how planning for one risk can introduce new ones, the importance of deeply understanding your venue, emergency messaging, new lightning guidance, and boatloads (or should we say snow shovels full) more.

Link:

National Center for Spectator Sports Safety & Security (NCS4)

Grab your shovel! Bills mafia digs in with snow removal before high stakes Buffalo-K.C. playoff game (NBC News)

ANSI ES1.7 - 2021, Event Safety Requirements - Weather Preparedness

With the new year just days away, we're looking back at some of the most important, impactful, or undercovered stories of 2023. From guest issues to climate impacts, it's been an eventful 12 months in the safety world, so grab another cup of cocoa, put your feet up, and join Danielle and Steve as they close out the year.

From all of us at The Event Safety Podcast, have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. We'll see you in 2024!

Link:

ANSI ES1.40 – 2023 Event Safety - Event Security

What did YOU think of the 2023 Event Safety Summit? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we recap some highlights of this year's Summit with two attendees, Francesca Ghizzoni (Production Manager, SXSW) and Emily Jeu (Director of Production, Columbus Association for the Performing Arts). They share their views on what drove them to attend the Summit, why they believe it's important for event professionals to take part, what they found most compelling, and what they'd like to see at future events.

LINKS:

ANSI ES1.40 - 2023, Event Safety - Event Security

It's a Powerpalooza! In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, we get deep and nerdy on the subject of sustainable power in event applications with the team at Overdrive Energy Solutions. We discuss the safety benefits and challenges of portable battery technology, integrating it into your site plans, and their experience powering the guest package of a major artist at this year's Lollapalooza.

This episode is brought to you by Event Safety Alliance Canada

Overdrive Energy Solutions
Reverb
Billie Eilish, REVERB Partner Up To Deliver Solar-Powered Lollapalooza Set

What do you get when you mix a giant hill, thousands of students, and the last day of classes? A fantastic case study for The Event Safety Podcast! In this episode, Danielle and Steve are joined by Joseph Scaffido, Director of University Events at Cornell, for a look at the University's annual Slope Day event. From weather to crowds to infrastructure challenges, there's a lot to learn from this nearly 120-year-old gathering.

Slope Day (Cornell University)

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve delve into the psychological phenomenon of inattentional blindness and its potential impact on safety at live events. Topics covered include the illusion of attention, the science behind the phenomenon, strategies for overcoming it, and more.

The Monkey Business Illusion

The Invisible Gorilla (Book)

This episode was originally released on March 21, 2021.

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, we talk electrical safety with author, ETCP-recognized trainer, and self-described "lighting guy" Richard Cadena. Join us as we discuss common electrical hazards in the entertainment space, why bypassing or altering equipment is a recipe for disaster, a few must-have tools for your safety toolkit, and the upcoming release of Richard's latest book.

LINKS:

Academy of Production Technology

Electricity for the Entertainment Electrician & Technicia

Extreme weather, shootings, new laws, objects thrown at artists...a lot can happen in just a few short weeks. In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we welcome Steve back from a much-needed vacation and examine the lessons from the MANY safety-related incidents that occurred while he was away.

NOTES:

ANSI ES1.7 - 2021 Event Safety Requirements - Weather Preparedness

Global Crowd Management Alliance

2023 Event Safety Summit

Independence Day is fast approaching, which means it's the perfect time to talk about pyro! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle Hernandez and special guest co-host Siobhan Colleen sit down with Pyrotek Special Effects Product and Technical Support and Safety Manager Brian Panther for a conversation about pyrotechnics safety. Discussion topics include planning, permitting, standards, transportation, restrictions, and much, much more.

Notes:

Effects of Recoil Forces from Large-Scale Pyrotechnics on Entertainment Structures (Protocol, Fall 2020)  

NFPA 1123 - Code for Fireworks Display

NFPA 1126 - Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience

NFPA 160 - Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we put on our red shoes and hit the floor to discuss dance recitals and other events involving large numbers of children and families. Featuring a trio of Josh Webb (Coker University), Pamela Sturrock (Riverside Convention Center), and Devin Vanaman (Riverside Convention Center), discussion includes the unique risks presented by these events, protocols for production crews, the concept of the attractive nuisance, dealing with prop dads, and the correct way to pronounce "Worcester."

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve sit down with new USITT Executive Director Laura Lee Everett for a wide-ranging conversation about her background, USITT's safety programming, current initiatives, a sneak peek at their 2024 conference in Seattle, and selling a career in events to the toughest skeptics around...your parents.

Notes:

USITT

Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC)

Performing Arts Alliance

White Space (FCC)

Event Safety Podcast Episode 52 - BACKStage Exam

How did you learn a career in live events was a thing? How did you end up in your profession? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we chat with Erin Grabe (ESTA) and Boxer Hardison (Bigger Hammer Production Services) about how they got their start and how we can make our industry enticing to those considering joining our "island of misfit toys."

Notes:

Event Safety Podcast Episode 52 - BACKStage Exam

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we welcome back ESA Board Member and ESA Canada Executive Director Janet Sellery for a conversation on assessing risk. Topics of discussion include organizing risks factors, benefits & shortcoming of various assessment models, prioritizing process over specific tools, and more. They also drop some info on several upcoming events and ESA’s new student membership program. Check it out!

Notes:

Triangle: The Fire That Changed America (Book)

The Checklist Manifesto (Book)

ESA Canada

Time to talk about training! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve welcome back the extremely knowledgeable and always entertaining Phil Van Hest, Rigging and Safety Manager at Bigger Hammer Production Services. Topics of discussion include identifying who and what needs to be taught, training program development, hazard reporting, managing new crew members, the power of “openness”, and loads more. 

Notes:

Event Safety Access Training

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)

Bigger Hammer Online Training Courses

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we're chatting about the business of festivals and events with Steve Schmader, President and CEO of the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA). Conversation includes the origins of IFEA, focus areas, thoughts on the status of the events industry post-COVID, and more.

Notes:

International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA)

In this edition of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve continue their conversation from last episode with a closer look at the concept of the normalization of deviance, including its origins, why it happens, and most importantly how to avoid it. They also revisit the idea of the “Swiss cheese model” of risk mitigation and lessons from John Barylick’s excellent book on the Station Nightclub fire Killer Show. 

Notes:

Killer Show

Swiss Cheese Model

The Normalization of Deviance

The Challenger Launch Decision

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve recount a recent exchange an ESA associate had with a reporter regarding crowd crushes, and why the reporter was focused on the wrong issue. Discussion includes prioritizing root causes, the hierarchy of controls, human factors engineering, black swan events, and loads more.

Event Safety Podcast Episode 60: Crowd Science

Hierarchy of Controls

The Normalization of Deviance

The Challenger Launch Decision

The Black Swan

We're back with the first Event Safety Podcast of 2023! In this episode, we discuss communications planning with Derrec Becker, Chief of Public Information & External Affairs at the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Topics include incident communication planning, creative messaging, the importance of tone, platform selection, and loads more (and if you’re not following their Facebook Page, it’s HIGHLY recommended).

Notes:

South Carolina Emergency Management Division Facebook

FEMA Independent Study Courses

“The metal doesn’t make it safe. The metal provides the opportunity for the organizer to promote safety with other resources.”

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast we dive deep into the subject of barricades with Tim Roberts, Director of The Event Safety Shop. Discussion includes what is (and is NOT) acceptable barricade, types and applications, installation and oversight responsibilities, things to avoid, and whether you need it in the first place.

Notes:

The Event Safety Shop

Weather Planning for Mass Gatherings Workshop

It's that time of year again...commencement season! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle is joined by Becca Wilusz (Duke University) and Joey Doster (PNC Arena) for a look at what goes into planning university and high school commencement ceremonies. Discussion includes unique demographic challenges, transportation planning, policy enforcement, communications, show-stop procedures, and preparing for high-profile (and sometimes controversial) speakers.  

Ahead of our first-ever Black Friday membership promotion, we’ve dropped a quick “mini-pod” to discuss why you should become a member of the ESA and what’s in store for 2023. Oh yeah, and Steve’s back!

Notes:

Membership Enrollment Page

You’re likely familiar with the environmental benefits of sustainable energy technologies (raise your hands, EV owners). But they can also help create safer, healthier event sites. In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast Danielle talks with Neel Vasavada, Founder and President of Overdrive Energy Solutions and member of ESA’s Board of Directors. They discuss the intersection of safety and sustainability, the basics and benefits of distributed battery power, and how his background in motorsports influenced his safety journey.

What is crowd science, and how can its study help create safer events? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast we dive back into the topic of crowds with Emma Parkinson, Course Director Postgraduate Programs in Crowded Places at Coventry University (Whew!). We discuss the foundations of crowd science, intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can influence crowd movement, how COVID, smartphones, and social media have impacted crowd behavior and loads more. 

Safety professional. Firefighter. Helicopter pilot. And ESA Board Member! In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, we kick off a series of ESA Board of Directors profiles, beginning with that man of many hats, Kurt Miner. We discuss his path from working in the safety department at Universal Studios to his current role as a Managing Director at Alliance, how he became involved with ESA, the current state of safety at live events, and much more.

As outdoor event season slowly winds down, what can we learn from the experience? In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast Danielle chats with Jim Digby (President, Event Safety Alliance) and Jahn “Boxer” Hardison (President, Bigger Hammer Production Services) about what they’ve seen in the field during this VERY BUSY summer. They discuss how COVID continues to affect event operations, persistent worker & equipment shortages, the challenge of maintaining safety standards in the midst of chaos, and much more. 

Is taking an “at all costs” approach to our jobs something to be applauded? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Steve Adelman swings by to join Danielle for a conversation about a concerning story making the rounds on social media. They discuss why show stop calls should not be limited to crowd-related incidents, the balance between individual choice and leadership responsibility, and how one’s decision to “work through the pain” can affect everyone involved in an event.

Notes:

Tour Hero (Photo)

Is your meter lying to you? Can welding cable be used in event applications? Does electricity always take the path of least resistance? Is it ok to plug a power strip into another power strip? What about extension cords? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast Danielle welcomes back author, ETCP Recognized Trainer, ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician, and all-around fabulous human Richard Cadena. He discusses his most recent article in Protocol Journal and challenges Danielle to a game of “Lies, Damn Lies, and More Lies”. If you work regularly with electrics, you MUST check out this episode.

Notes:

Is Your Meter Lying to You? (Protocol)

Richard Cadena Website

Entertainment Services & Technology Association (ESTA)

In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Tami chat with Event Safety Advisor Doug Bruce about the intersection between event production and emergency management. They provide a debrief of their standing-room only appearance at a recent emergency management conference, the importance of working with your public safety partners, bridging the cultural gap between disciplines, and more.

NOTES:

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)

National Incident Management System

International Association of Venue Managers

ESTA Technical Standards Program

What is harm reduction, and how does it apply to live events? In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and special guest host Tami Richter chat with Stefanie Jones, harm reduction advocate and founder of the Safe Partying Program. They discuss how harm reduction principles can create safer events, strategies for implementation, training resources, the line between support and encouragement, and more.

NOTES:

Dancesafe

TripSit

Safer Partying Checklist (Drug Policy Alliance)

Harm Reduction Circle

Fireside Project

It’s been a year since we last discussed insurance on the Pod…what’s changed since then? In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve welcome Rochelle Brotter-Wayne (Reel Media) and Peter Tempkins (HUB International) for a look at the current state of the event insurance industry. Topics of discussion include the role of your insurance partner, how claim size and frequency influences rates, COVID’s impact on availability of coverage, workers compensation, the benefits of insurers getting out in the field, and more.

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle welcomes a trio of crowd management experts from the United Kingdom Crowd Management Association (UKCMA) for a conversation about crowd safety in smaller venues - Anne Marie Chebib (Select Security & Stewarding Ltd), Eric Stuart (Gentian Events Ltd), and Tom Devine (TMS Protection). Discussion includes the development and philosophy behind the UKCMA’s new “Safer Crowds, Safer Venues” document, why “service' is the primary function in crowd management, planning tools and considerations, and more. 

Many of us got our first taste of “the life” in our high school theater program. What if there was a framework for developing and evaluating the skills and knowledge we acquired back then? In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle sits down Kristi Ross-Clausen and Dana Taylor, two developers of the USITT BACKstage Exam (Basic and Comprehensive Knowledge Exam for High School Technical Theatre Students), designed to evaluate the knowledge and work readiness of technical theatre students at the high school level. They discuss the rationale behind its development, structure and topics covered by the program, how it differs from the existing eSET exam, and more.

Notes:

BACKstage Exam for High School Students (USITT)

Essential Skills for the Entertainment Technician (eSET)

Event Safety Access Training (ESAT)

Conference season is in full swing, which included the successful return of the USITT Conference earlier this month. In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve talk with outgoing USITT Executive Director David Grindle about lessons learned from at this year’s event, adjusting to changing COVID protocols, new program features, CTE training for high school students, improving diversity in the theatrical trades, and much more.

The USITT Conference is this week, and what better way to celebrate then a new Event Safety Podcast episode on Broadway touring?! In this episode Danielle and Steve talk with NETworks Tours Senior Production Manager Hector Guivas about safety at touring theatrical productions. Discussion topics include using modeling to enhance safety, working across diverse and often challenging venues, coordination with house teams, show stop planning, and how COVID as changed productions and the touring environment.

To the bridge! In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, we expand on last episode’s conversation about the Incident Command System with a look at where the ICS magic happens - the command center. Danielle and Steve are joined once again by Tami Richter and John Badcock from SXSW, along with event control room specialist Chrissie Gilbert for a discussion on ideal room setup, technology, personnel and show operations.

We’re back with the first Event Safety Podcast of 2022! In this episode, Danielle and Steve are joined by Tami Richter and John Badcock from SXSW for a conversation about applying the Incident Command System to event operations. They discuss the foundational principles of ICS, the benefits of its use, integrating ICS to your event plans, and much more.

From airplanes and grocery stores to stadiums and other event spaces, we are living through an unprecedented era of grievance and conflict. Ushers and event security are on the front lines of this battle between health and safety versus aggressively-held assertions of personal liberties. In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, we rebroadcast a session from our recent Event Safety TV broadcast featuring Duke University Assistant AD of Game Ops, Championships and Events Becca Wilusz. Becca helps contextualize the issue as it affects event security , suggests methods that acknowledge people’s right to respectfully disagree, and explores how to de-escalate tensions and maintain safety for all attendees.

Show Notes:

PEACE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Providing Event Security to Guests with Grievances (Youtube)

About Becca Wilusz:

Becca Wilusz serves as the Assistant Director of Athletics/Game Operations and Championships. Wilusz is a Duke Athletics lead in planning and execution of stadium safety and security operations and has been recognized as an Industry Leader Under 40 by The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security. A multiple degree graduate of Duke University, Wilusz earned a B.S.E. in biomedical and mechanical engineering with a minor in history in 2007, a M.S. in biomedical engineering in 2011, and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering in 2013.

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Steve and Danielle take a look at the newly-released ANSI ES1.4-2021 Event Fire Safety Requirements standard with the chair of the fire safety working group, ESA’s own Dr. Donald Cooper. They discuss the importance of this new standard, the thinking behind its development, how it was created and approved, topics covered and more.

Time to clip in and join us for another edition of The Event Safety Podcast! In this episode, Danielle and Steve examine the hazards of working at height with Rigging and Safety Manager Phil Van Hest. Topics of discussion include mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPS), applicable standards, rescue planning, training, inspections, and much more.

This episode is brought to you by Bigger Hammer Production Services

SHOW NOTES:

ANSI/SAIA A92.22: Safe Use Of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)

Bigger Hammer Training Center

ABOUT PHIL:

Phil van Hest provides Rigging, Fall Protection and Heavy Equipment instruction in the LA area. Before entering the world of rigging safety, Phil toured the world as a comic/writer/performer, and thinks twice about mentioning it; rigging and safety are famously humorless subjects. Phil is the Safety and Rigging Manager for Bigger Hammer Production Services, and an ETCP Recognized Trainer holding certifications in Arena and Theatrical rigging. He currently resides in Orange County, another place in California named after a thing that used to be there before it got paved over.

Attention safety nerds! It’s time to break out the bookmark, make space on the bookshelf, or dust off that Kindle. In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve share some of their favorite safety-related (or safety-adjacent) books, as well as a number of excellent user-submitted recommendations. Whether you’re into behavioral psychology, history, or just a good safety manual there’s bound to be something to capture your interest.

If you have suggestions for our next episode of recommended reading, drop us a line at podcast@eventsafetyalliance.org.

Show Notes:

Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of Persuasion

The Hour Between Dog and Wolf: How Risk Taking Transforms Us, Body and Mind

Safety and Health for the Stage: Collaboration with the Production Process

The Event Safety Guide

Health & Safety Guide for Film, TV & Theater by Rossol, Monona. (Allworth Press,2011) [Paperback] Second (2nd) Edition

Practical Health and Safety Guidelines for School Theater Operations: Assessing the Risks in Middle, Junior, and Senior High School Theater Buildings and Programs

The special event risk management manual

Amanda Ripley: The Unthinkable : Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - And Why (Paperback); 2009 Edition

Stage Rigging Handbook, Third Edition

Rigging Math Made Simple, Eighth Edition

Entertainment Rigging - Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition

Triangle: The Fire That Changed America

The Circus Fire: A True Story of an American Tragedy

Tinder Box: The Iroquois Theatre Disaster 1903

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right

Weather in the Courtroom: Memoirs from a Career in Forensic Meteorology

The Challenger Launch Decision: Risky Technology, Culture, and Deviance at NASA

Unfuck Your Brain: Getting Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers with science

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships (Nonviolent Communication Guides)

The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT

What to Do When Things Go Wrong: A Five-Step Guide to Planning for and Surviving the Inevitable―And Coming Out Ahead

Killer Show: The Station Nightclub Fire, America’s Deadliest Rock Concert

A lot can change in a few short months. With the Delta variant surging and many jurisdictions reinstituting COVID-19 restrictions, Danielle and Steve check in with Morgan Deane (New York Independent Venues Association, Lasher Louis Productions) and Erica Fee (Rochester Fringe Festival) for a look at how they’re adjusting operations to account for our new (old) reality. Discussion includes New York City’s new vaccination requirement for live event venues, mask mandates, managing artists and vendors traveling in from COVID hot spots, accommodating young attendees and those who cannot be vaccinated, and more.

Show Notes:

Corsi-Rosenthal Cube (Build Your Own!)

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast, Danielle welcomes back ESA board member Bryan Huneycutt for a recap of this year's USITT Conference in Seattle. They discuss key takeaways from this year's event, presentation highlights, current safety & health commission initiatives, and more. 

After more than a year without events, being back to ‘normal’ can feel a little bit.. abnormal. In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve share their thoughts on ESA’s first in-person appearance since Winter 2020 as part of Summer NAMM in Nashville. They discuss what it was like being in a full-capacity, largely unmasked environment after more than a year, the challenges of navigating regional differences in attitudes towards COVID-19, and recap a rare but instructive disagreement that arose during their presentation over the way people typically respond to emergency situations.

In this episode of The Event Safety Podcast we dive into the often complicated world of insurance with Scott Carroll (Take1 Insurance), David Cloward (Hub Entertainment), Susan McGuirl (Hub Entertainment) and Peter Tempkins (Hub Entertainment). They explore why insurance is important, what coverage event professionals should carry, why one’s classification as a contractor vs. and employee matters, what the insurance industry landscape looks like post-COVID, and more.

Show Notes:

Event Safety Access Training

ESA Crew Cover

As many of us return to work, we do so with a measure of uncertainty, and in some cases a great level of concern. Rarely has mental health been more at the forefront for our workforce. Looking out for yourself & those around you is now possibly your most important skill. In this episode of the The Event Safety Podcast, ESA President Jim Digby discusses Mental Health First Aid training with Production Coordinator Debbie Taylor (Guns & Roses/Rolling Stones) and Consultant/MHFA Instructor Bryan Huneycutt (Huneybadger Entertainment). They explore why this training is so important to our industry, program objectives, how it has helped them in their professional and personal lives, and more.

ESA is partnering with Behind the Scenes charity to deliver Mental Health First Aid training this July in Nashville. More information and registration link can be found in the show notes.

SHOW NOTES:

Mental Health First Aid Training (Summer NAMM, July 14)

Can you require your employees to be vaccinated? Can you ask your guests to show proof of vaccination before entry? Can you legally eject patrons for disregarding your event’s mask mandate? And what the heck does HIPAA stand for, anyway?! In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Steve Adelman puts on his attorney cap and provides a legal perspective on these and other timely COVID-related “controversies” currently facing event operators.