Crowd Management Safety

In 2008, a retail worker died from being trampled during a holiday sale event. OSHA has sent letters to major retailers to remind employers about the potential hazards of large crowds at retail stores during the holiday season. It is encouraging retailers to use the safety guidelines, Crowd Management Safety Guidelines for Retailers, available on OSHA’s website.

Planning and preparations before the event can reduce the possibility of injury. Any organization that might have to deal with crowds should develop a crowd management plan. At a minimum, your crowd management plan should take into consideration:

• Additional staffing needs. Will you need on-site trained security personnel or police officers?
• Signage. Appropriate signage can help you steer crowds where you want them to go. Make sure exits, entrances, stairs and elevators are clearly and legibly marked.
• Physical barriers. Set up barricades or rope lines for crowd management. Be sure to keep entrances and exits clear.
• Emergency plan. Develop a plan and share it with local public safety agencies. Designate a worker to contact local emergency responders if necessary.
• Arrival and departure procedures. Develop procedures and ways of explaining them to the public.
• Limiting access. Determine maximum safe occupancy and prevent more people from entering when the facility reaches maximum occupancy.
• Entrances and exits. Keep them clear at all times.
• Training. Train workers in crowd management procedures and the emergency plan. Provide them with an opportunity to practice the special event plan. Include local public safety agencies if appropriate.
• Insurance. Contact your insurance broker to ensure you have the coverage you need for the event.