Stallholders require a comprehensive risk assessment
Stallholders and market traders will be requested to complete a risk assessment. Risk assessments will be required by insurers to document due diligence; they will also be required by the event organiser as a prerequisite to allow stallholders to exhibit. In the event of a claim, perhaps as a consequence of injury or illness, risk assessment are used as proof to evidence that stallholders have done everything reasonable to reduce the likelihood of an incident.
Risk assessments need to be comprehensive, detailed and accurate. They should comprise of all risks that could reasonably result in an incident or accident.
At Insure Our Event, we have provided a template risk assessment for stallholders and market traders. Below we have detailed all the risks this includes and the control measures required. Event organisers can use this template to inform their checks, and distribute it to exhibitors to help improve safety. Download the template and ensure market traders have purchased effective event insurance, utilising Insure Our Event’s free quote form.
What’s included in a risk assessment for stall holders?
Vehicle Movements – Market trader event organisers need to be aware of vehicle son site and how they can impact safety. Authorised vehicles will need to be afforded space to operate, and emergency vehicle access should be permitted. For any stallholders wishing to bring their own vehicles on site, they must be authorised by the event runner, and driven slowly with care.
Slips and Trips – Avoid trailing cables, use cable protector mats with bright markings. Waste packaging should be cleared away and no litter or rope should be left as a trip hazard. Trip hazards should be reported to the event organiser right away.
Electrical Risks – The electrical supply needs to be installed by the event organiser. Lightning should be plentiful and supplied by the organiser. Appliances will need to be PAT tested, and anything used outdoors should have the correct IP rating. Electricals should be in good condition.
Food Hygiene – Any food stall hoping to sell food should be registered with the local authority. Safety management procedures should be in place and documented. Allergen information needs to be provided and labelled. Any propane cylinders should be signed off by the event organisers and checked. Al cooking equipment needs to be turned off when not in use or supervised. No hobs or should cookers should be left unattended.
Theft – Cash should be out of sight and stock should not be left unattended. All members or volunteers at the stall should be noted as responsible persons. Any crime witnessed or thefts attempted should be reported to the event organiser. Suspicious strangers should be noted and reported. Traders should not approach thieves or aggressive persons.
Fire – Candles or open flames should not be left unattended. Be aware of combustible materials and flammable substances. Many sellers exhibit candles, try to reduce the number set alight at one time.
First Aid – A market trader should have a mobile charged and available in case of emergencies. Contact details of the event runner and local emergency services should have been distributed and noted down, as well as the contact details of the first aid station on site. There should be enough first aid kits on site.
Weather Conditions – Gazebos and tents and haulings need to be tied down. High winds can upturn tables and damage stock, so will require control measures. Precautions need to be taken according to the weather, such as drainage for rain or shade for sunny days. Is warm waterproof clothing required, or is suncream? Wind speed, snow and rainy weather conditions should be considered when creating an action plan for cancellation of the event or emergency evacuation.
By including these risks and placing control measures, stall holders and market traders will reduce the likelihood of an incident and being involved in a claim.
What if an incident happens that stallholders could not have predicted?
The purpose of a risk assessment is to assess foreseeable risks. Stallholders should do their due diligence and anything reasonable to reduce the likelihood of an incident.
Risk Assessments are necessary when buying Stallholders Insurance
Market traders, stallholders, crafters and exhibitors will require comprehensive stallholder event insurance to cover their risks. Public liability insurance is necessary, as is cancellation insurance to cover cost in case the event is cut off or postponed. The insurer will require documents in the event of a claim, which includes a risk assessment to evidence due diligence.
Event organisers and stallholders are able to use the Insure Our Event quote form to tailor their insurance to their needs.
