No problem with Santa Parades, says OSH

Friday 1 4 November 2003

People seem to be worrying too much about their liability from possible health and safety risks posed by public events like Christmas parades, according to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). There have been reports of several public events being cancelled because organisers were worried that they might be liable for prosecution if somebody was hurt, but their anxiety is often unfounded, says OSH.

"We are concerned with health and safety, so we'd naturally advise people to take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents and keep people safe", says OSH Acting National Operations Manager Keith Stewart. "But we're certainly not about stopping fun or disappointing kids who have been looking forward to seeing Santa."

OSH is extremely unlikely to prosecute people working on a community parade, and has never done so in the past. This has been the case for the last 10 years, and there has been no change to this. OSH has largely been happy with the way community events like Santa parades have been run.

Some people seem to be basing their concerns on the recent prosecution by police of the Christchurch event manager who was fined after the death of a cyclist in a race she organised. But that case did not even involve OSH. As long as organisers take sensible precautions to keep people safe, there is no reason why events should not go ahead, says Mr Stewart.

"If we're aware that an activity being carried out by a voluntary organisation is dangerous, OSH will contact the organiser and discuss how this could be managed. And of course the public expect health and safety to be taken into consideration by organisers of public events, regardless of the law", says Mr Stewart. "It's always a good idea for an organiser to liaise with the Police, and most do. But if they need advice on the Health and Safety in Employment Act, we're happy to advise them."

They can contact OSH or phone 0800 20 90 20 or go to www.workinfo.govt.nz