Although many of us have always been conscious of keeping green, in more recent times the want and need to stay sustainable, conserve resources and reduce waste has become more prominent. But how does this relate to safety? Well, both are about conserving resources, as sustainability relates to the environment and safety relates to humans – put these two together and you’ll find the common ground between sustainability and health & safety.
So, with that in mind – every event is now trying to be sustainable in its operations, which leads to improvements in health and safety. But how?
Reduce hazards
Having a good waste management team who can keep on top of the litter picking, the right number and type of bins at the front of house helps to discard of rubbish and keep the ground hazard free – which will reduce any slips and falls on site! The back of house should also feature the correct mixture of bins to help the production and catering team separate their waste effectively. Not only will this help to reduce the number of bins and collections on site, it will also keep the areas clear, reducing STF (slip, trip &fall).
By ensuring this, a clear pattern of a reduction in accidents can help when planning for any medical cover on your events, this could potentially save you money if you are able to reduce provision (in line with guidance of course)!
Fire Safety
The partnership of sustainability and health & safety sees an improvement on fire safety and prevention, as a build-up of rubbish can create a fuel source for any sparks or fires, keeping waste contained within bins and reducing overflow can reduce this risk. We’ve all seen the pictures of overflowing bins after an event, and a good waste management company can help provide you with the right bins so that you can successfully recycle waste from your site as well as keep areas clear.
Improve Food Hygiene
Poorly managed waste management facilities on site can attract wildlife to certain areas, if these are close to food outlets then there could be concerns over food hygiene. A good waste management contractor can ensure that suitable bins and collections are arranged to help reduce waste build up and prevent attracting any wildlife.
Will this cost more?
A good waste management plan and provider will help identify the types of waste on site and the correct disposal facility which will create a smooth and cost-effective disposal with no nasty surprises for organisers.
Poor waste management will have a negative effect on visitors, when it comes to customers choosing where to spend their money, sustainability is a key factor – if they have visited an event where there is excessive waste – they may choose not to return. So, in hindsight, it could actually help you. Another cost saved is keeping your insurance premiums low by having a reduction in slip, trip and fall accidents and claims in relation to waste management!
We have recently worked on site at De Montfort Hall, with facilities management company, Flame UK. We very quickly realised that, in meeting their responsibilities on site, they were also making a valuable contribution to reducing health & safety concerns. We recognised that there was a real synergy between our two company’s activities – a natural partnership between sustainability and health & safety.
When asked about how Flame UK helps organisers with money and health & safety, the Director, Daniel Pegram, has said:
“The key to saving money on waste disposal for events is to correctly identify the waste types that will be generated by the event and find the correct disposal facility that is set up to handle that type of waste. If you match the facilities strengths with the events waste you will have the right ingredients for a smooth and cost effective waste disposal plan. This in effect will keep in check with health & safety requirements. Preventing some of the points stated above.”
Here at Harrier HQ we are sure that our De Montfort Hall collaboration with Flame UK will not the be the last. There are so many ways in which our services are compatible, and the combined solutions and expertise we have between us can only mean good things for the clients we serve.
How can we help?
If you would like more information on how we could help you meet both your Sustainability and Health & Safety needs then get in touch today: Contact us