Posted By Graham Harris I have recently started assisting a one day agricultural show with their health and safety. We have completed risk assessments for the usual risks associated with agricultural shows and for which the event organisers (the association) are responsible. The area I would like some assistance with is the exhibitors, bearing in mind that these range from national companies to small local businesses selling and/or displaying; tractors, cars, etc. stalls selling fruit, sweets, ice cream, etc. and individuals with their own flower arrangements, cakes, cattle, rabbits, etc. Are we (the Association) responsible for ensuring that exhibitors are health and safety compliant? i.e. do we need to provide a health and safety questionnaire to all exhibitors so that we can monitor their compliance? What do we do if they are not compliant?

Posted By Phil Grace Graham, Could go on for ever on this. Really hinges on what you understand by the term H&S compliant. My view is this: As organiser you are unlikely to be held responsible for accidents to the exhibitors employees. The real challenge is the public. What if something happens to a MoP when on a stand e.g. trips and falls or is injured undertaking some activity organized by an exhibitor (think "have a go" sessions). The event organisers might be dragged into any claim for compensation for injuries. As organisers you should be ensuring some form of minimum standard for public safety (risk assessments, method statements etc)and must check that the exhibitors have suitable and sufficient Public Liability insurance. Otherwise organisers might become the "deep pocket" that ends up financing the claim! If it was a really serious matter and prosecution was being taken, in the same way as above organisers could be prosecuted alongside exhibitor for failing to take care of others (sec3 offence). So make sure the archery demo has plenty of space and fires away from crowd. Make sure guy selling crossbows or air guns has no bolts/pellets on display stand, make sure petting corner supervises children etc etc. I could go on but I'm sure you get picture Hope this helps Phil

Posted By Stuff4blokes Traffic management and stewards are crucial in ensuring that exhibitors don't start bringing their vehicles through the crowds.

Posted By Graham Harris Many thanks to all of you who responded, especially to Stephen whom I have contacted and has been very helpful. Graham