Health and Safety: Christmas Installation in Porto Nuova, Milan

Background

In December 2022 and January 2023, We Are Ops provided on site safety support and consultancy to our Placemaking colleagues for the install and de install of the Porta Nuova Christmas 2022 installation in Milan, Italy.

Formerly a historic, industrial area, Porta Nuova has been transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant business districts.

Working alongside the Production Team from We Are Placemaking, a Safety Officer from We Are OPS was on site throughout to oversee the work during the day and overnight - ensuring the safe delivery of the event to the client.

Challenges

• This was an open site with access required for businesses, residents and visitors at all times. The segregation of the public from the working areas was therefore critical. All work involving plant, including working at height, was therefore carried out overnight when footfall was at its lowest, and a combination of barriers and staff ensured there was no conflict between plant and pedestrians.

• In addition to the team from Placemaking and OPS, there were contractors from the UK working alongside contractors and crew from Italy. Throughout, we were able to successfully communicate using a combination of an interpreter and translation software.

Delivery & Results

• A hugely successful project that ran to schedule and was completed on time - leaving the client very happy.

• Co operation between all those on site and excellent work from all contractors.

• All work was carried out with minimal disruption to the public and businesses in the area.

• We provided a Health & Safety Advisor to oversee the build & break of the event.