OPEN CHCH
Open ChCh - Case study
OPEN CHCH 2021-2024
For the past three consecutive years Advanced Safety have provided health and safety leadership and risk management services to New Zealand’s largest independent festival of architecture. Providing the public with a unique behind-the-scenes access to some of the regions most iconic buildings we have collaborated to ensure we find the right balance between incredible experiences and the management of risk. Utilising our risk 'heat mapping' workshops and on-the-ground support we have helped the team at Open CHCH unlock the magic that the event continues to bring to tens of thousands of visitors from around the world.
About Open Christchurch
Open Christchurch is an annual one-weekend-only festival of exceptional architecture.
Over the course of the weekend, building owners/kaitiaki of more than 45 buildings throw open their doors so that locals and visitors can enjoy a first-hand experience of great design, from the inside.
Parallel to this, the team run a public programme of talks, tours and activities that allows attendees to delve deeper and learn more supported by an army of volunteers and staff.
Open Christchurch is a celebration of Christchurch's local stories, people, places, designers and innovators.
The Challenges
Large numbers of volunteers
50+ unique buildings with varying risk profiles
Managing tens of thousands of people
1. Large Numbers of Volunteers:
Using the support of volunteers at large public events can be challenging due to varying skill levels, limited training, and the dynamic nature of the environment. Without clear communication and proper risk management, there’s a heightened risk of incidents that could impact both volunteers and the event attendees.
2. Attendees visiting 50+ unique buildings with varying risk profiles:
Members of the public and volunteers face potential hazards such as structural safety issues in older, non-compliant buildings and unfamiliar risks in restricted areas. These challenges increase the likelihood of accidents, including slips, trips, falls, and exposure to unsafe environments.
3. Managing tens of thousands of people:
Managing tens of thousands of attendees introduces risks such as crowd surges, congestion, and insufficient emergency egress, potentially leading to injuries or panic in emergencies.
Other hazards include inadequate supervision, lost children, medical incidents, and uneven ground causing slips, trips, or falls.
Our solutions
Conducting 'Heat Map' Risk Workshops
Informal volunteer induction sessions
Health and Safety Support on the day
1. Large Numbers of Volunteers: We overcame the risks of using volunteers by providing thorough training, clear communication, and tailored roles based on skill levels. Robust risk management, appropriate PPE, and visibly felt supervision ensured a safe and effective volunteer workforce.
2. Attendees visiting 50+ unique buildings with varying risk profiles: We addressed this issue by conducting risk management heat-mapping workshops with the event Senior Leadership Team to identify and prioritise key risks. We agreed the risk reduction strategies and integrated them into communications with building owners, volunteers, and event publications to ensure safety.
3. Managing tens of thousands of people:
We managed tens of thousands of attendees by deploying on-the-ground support to key locations with higher health and safety risks. Through proactive monitoring, crowd management strategies and targeted supervision, we helped ensure a safe and smooth operation across all sites.
"You have been marvelous to work with - and we'd recommend you to others too."
Dr Jessica Halliday Operations Director ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Open Christchurch / Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture and City Making
Conclusions
This case study exemplifies how our strategic approach to identifying the hazards and risks enhanced the health and safety outcomes over the past three Open Christchurch events.
By aligning policies with practical implementation the client not only solidified their reputation for world leading experiences but also enhanced operational efficiency across all locations.
This project highlights the importance of independent eyes, the adaptability of safety practices, and continuous improvement in maintaining the highest standards of event and workplace safety and compliance.
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