Health & Safety: Wemba’s Dream
Background
We were delighted to work alongside We Are Placemaking to bring Wemba’s Dream to Wembley Park in September 2021. The event was a day of free performances created in collaboration with local artists and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO). It provided the opportunity for local Brent audiences to meet the RPO, experience the Wembley Estate in a new way, and give members of the orchestra and creative communities within the Borough, a chance to collaborate with one another. Wemba’s Dream celebrated the dreams of today’s modern Wemba’s – the people of all ages and backgrounds who make their homes in Brent – through narrative musical and multi – disciplinary performances. OPS were tasked with provided full Health and Safety Services, including advancing, to onsite safety support throughout the build, break and live phases.
The event will be taking place again in September 2022 and we are extremely excited to be involved with bringing such a brilliant event alive again.
Challenges
The event took place within a built-up area, surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants, this mean that safety had to be at the forefront of plans during any scheduling and logistical challenges that occurred.
Ensuring effective coordination and communication in tandem with multiple teams throughout the entirety of the planning and delivery stages.
Supervision of multiple installations located around Wembley Park and ensuring safe practices were being adopted and adhered to throughout.
Planning for the complete isolation of the public during build and de-rig periods, through creating safe walkways for the public with the use of barriers.
Close work with the Production Team at We Are Placemaking to align plans and ensure a safe working environment.
Managing the welfare of the team and crew due to the outdoor build during a hot period, and ensuring the availability of sufficient shelter and cold drinks.
Delivery
The creation of multiple H&S documents, including a detailed Event Safety Management Plan, Risk and Fire Risk Assessments and Supplier Risk Auditing.
Onsite Safety Advisor to ensure compliance and to ensure all those involved were operating in line with the plans and procedures in place.
Delivering a safety induction to event suppliers, contractors, staff and crew, informing all of any safety systems and procedures in place, welfare information, and key personnel contact details to be used when required.
Encouraging best practise of the crew, and advising on the correct use of PPE, such as the constant wearing of Hi-Visibility vests.
Ensuring compliance of all contractors, through requesting and auditing H&S documentation including Risk Assessments, Insurance, H&S Policies.
Results
Excellent customer engagement throughout the entire day.
Positive client feedback and a great experience noted from those involved.
No reported accidents/injuries.
Delivery of multiple performances, in various locations throughout the day.
A returning event in 2022 requiring OPS services.
