Safety documents for events, staging and entertainment in Queensland
Erecting a stage, marquee or lighting rig can be construction work. The WHS Act defines a structure as anything constructed, whether fixed or moveable, temporary or permanent, and construction work includes the construction and dismantling of a structure (s 289 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)). It is high risk construction work if it involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 m, or is carried out in an area where powered mobile plant moves about (s 291), and section 299 then requires a safe work method statement (SWMS) before the work starts. Crowd control and event planning are not construction work, but a written procedure is still a sound way to brief a crew who may only work together for a day.
Rules that come up at events
Amusement devices: the WHS Regulation has specific duties for amusement devices, and the approved Amusement Devices Code of Practice 2023 explains them. Check whether any ride or inflatable you supply counts as an amusement device.Electrical work: a person must not perform or supervise electrical work unless they hold an electrical work licence that authorises it (s 55 of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld)). Say in your SWMS who makes each power connection.
Popular events templates
Stage Roof and Truss Erection SWMSStage Deck Assembly SWMSMarquee and Event Tent Erection SWMSEvent Bump-In and Bump-Out SWMSLighting Rig and Fixture Installation at Height SWMSEmergency Evacuation Plan
The Events SWMS Bundle covers staging, tents and bump-in in one download. Read our guides to working at heights and high risk construction work. Every template is an editable Word or Excel file you can brand with your logo, and you download it straight after checkout. Once filled in for your job, the documents help you meet your duties. This is general information, not legal advice.