25/08/2026
Extreme heat can quickly turn a successful event into a serious safety challenge.
It affects everyone on site : audiences, workers, contractors, stewards and performers. Heat can increase crowd discomfort, dehydration, fatigue and demand on medical teams.
Before gates open:
Check the forecast and agree clear trigger points.
Provide accessible water, shade and rest areas.
Brief teams, contractors and stewards on heat controls.
Review your plan for vulnerable people and anyone working in PPE.
During the event:
Monitor heat, humidity and crowd density.
Keep routes to water and welfare areas clear.
Look out for confusion, dizziness, unusual tiredness or other signs of heat stress.
Escalate concerns early to the medical lead : don’t wait for a situation to become critical.
And remember: heat risk doesn’t end when the audience leaves. Queues, transport, dispersal, load-out and overnight work all need consideration.
HSE guidance is clear: heat is a workplace hazard that must be assessed and managed. The right controls should be built into the event plan, not added at the last minute.
Save this checklist and share it with your event team.
Source: HSE heat stress guidance: https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/employer/heat-stress.htm
