Significant concerns have been raised by members of the public regarding the lack of adherence to event compliance and safety during a number of recent outdoor events in Durban.
These concerns prompt wider questions.
Are events with thousands of attendees being properly scrutinised by the relevant authorities? If they are, why are there so many obvious oversights regarding the safety of electrical connections from generators, structural engineering oddities, fire safety omissions and the provision of adequate emergency exits?
Event Safety Oversights
South African rules, namely the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act No. 2 of 2010 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993, require all large events to submit thorough security plans.
The appropriate authorities must examine and authorise these plans before the event can take place. However, many organisers appear to be neglecting this key stage and operate without an approved event permit number. If they have obtained the permits, there have been several recent events where nobody appeared to know what it was and there was no mention thereof on official correspondence regarding the events.
Perhaps organisers are relying on the fact that they have previously had approval and expect that to carry them through. Perhaps they have, to use a well-loved Durban phrase, “connections” in the right places?
Health and Safety Violations
Whatever the case, many events do not appear to follow the city’s waste, fire, and disaster management bylaws, as well as construction requirements set in place since 2014.
The use of unqualified or uncertified safety officers appears rife.
A qualified safety officer must be present throughout, from setup to the conclusion. This officer is responsible for monitoring safety compliance, managing hazards, and ensuring the event follows the authorised safety plan.
Putting reflective gear on a family member or good friend in need of work does not qualify them as such.
Potential Consequences
Failure to follow these safety precautions endangers not only the well-being of attendees but also puts the organisers at risk of serious legal consequences.
The City’s compliance officers have the right to issue compliance notifications and, if ignored, to stop the event, levy penalties, or withdraw licenses. If this situation remains unchanged, it will result in an outcry from several groups, including local companies and residents affected by the event.
Regulatory Requirements for Large Events
Guarantee compliance for any large event by following these steps.
Certificates of compliance:
- Event Approval Process: Obtaining an event permit and filing the required papers with local authorities.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, which includes designating a competent, qualified, safety officer.
- Safety Plans: Submitting and following detailed safety plans, especially for construction and high-risk activities.
- Vendor Permits: Food vendors who sell at events are obliged by law to obtain a licence for each event venue they service, and they must do so with a letter from the event organiser.
Many event organisers neglect this requirement, which can result in the vendor paying a huge fine or having their permits and livelihoods taken away.
Call for Stricter Enforcement
There is certainly, on the face of it, a necessity for stricter enforcement and monitoring of event laws to prevent such breaches in the future. Ensuring that all event planners understand and follow these regulations is critical to the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
Perhaps it is time for the city’s events permit office to assess its procedures and implement appropriate steps to prevent these repeated incidents of non-compliance.
