Robert Dudley, COO of We Group, shares his insights with StandOut Magazine on the challenges of extreme heat at live events and the importance of adapting event safety and welfare measures.
Following a summer of exceptionally high temperatures, the live events industry has faced increasing challenges in protecting crews, contractors and audiences working and attending outdoor events.
Speaking to Caroline Clift for StandOut Magazine’s Adapting to the Conditions feature, Rob discusses how We Group has responded to extreme weather across its events, implementing heatwave plans covering build, live and break periods.
“With the extreme heat we’ve experienced this summer, welfare has been a major focus across our shows, for both our crews and customers.
“We’ve implemented heatwave plans covering build, live and break periods, including regular shaded breaks and, where needed, on-site ‘siestas’ during the hottest parts of the day.
“We’ve made sure there is plenty of drinking water available, alongside electrolytes for crews, while our welfare teams regularly patrol sites offering free SPF and reminding everyone to stay hydrated, cover up, and take breaks in the shade. On some shows we’ve also provided disposable dust masks where conditions require them.
“Sometimes the simplest things make a difference – we’ve even had ice creams delivered around site via a buggy playing tunes to help crews cool down and keep morale up.
“Ultimately, it’s about adapting to the conditions and making sure everyone on-site is looked after.”
The feature explores the growing importance of weather contingency planning, crew welfare and flexible event operations as the industry adapts to increasingly challenging conditions.
Read the full article in StandOut Magazine
