HornerSalus: One Night in LA

A Case Study in Comprehensive Event Health & Safety Management by HornerSalus

1. Executive Summary

This white paper details HornerSalus’s pivotal role in providing full-spectrum Health and Safety support for a large-scale, one-night only music festival held in the vibrant heart of Downtown Los Angeles during 2025.

Facing the inherent complexities of a multi-stage, indoor and outdoor event with a capacity of several thousand attendees, HornerSalus implemented a rigorous safety framework that encompassed meticulous planning, dynamic onsite management, and seamless collaboration with the client and the local authorities.

Despite the typical challenges associated with such an ambitious production, the event concluded with a flawless safety record—zero incidents reported during the multi-week build, the live show, or the de-rig phases—a testament to HornerSalus’s unparalleled competency and international capability in delivering robust event safety solutions.

2. Introduction: The Downtown LA Music Festival

The Festival was conceived and produced by a well known Fashion Outlet and Global Experiential Agency, as a landmark cultural event, transforming a significant urban footprint into a pulsating hub of music and entertainment for a single unforgettable night.

The ambitious project integrated both expansive indoor spaces and an impressive outdoor arena, headlined by globally renowned acts on a bespoke external stage. Beyond the main attraction, multiple indoor stages, dedicated dancing platforms, and an extensive event overlay featuring diverse amenities promised an immersive experience for thousands of eager patrons.

Such a large-scale, high-density event, particularly one spanning varied environments and incorporating complex infrastructure and special effects, presents a formidable challenge from a health and safety perspective.

The organisers recognised the critical need for an expert partner capable of navigating intricate regulatory landscapes, mitigating diverse risks, and ensuring the absolute well-being of all participants—from construction crews and performers to event staff and the general public.

HornerSalus was engaged for this crucial mandate.

3. HornerSalus’s Holistic Event Safety Mandate

HornerSalus was entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of all health and safety aspects for the Downtown LA Music Festival, from the initial concept and planning stages through to the final de-rig. Our mandate extended far beyond mere compliance; it involved embedding a proactive safety culture throughout every facet of the event lifecycle. Our approach was founded on a deep understanding of international best practices, coupled with an intimate knowledge of local LA regulations and OSHA standards.

Our full event safety support included, but was not limited to, the following critical components:

3.1. Strategic Safety Planning & Documentation

• Event Safety Plan (ESP): A foundational, bespoke document outlining every potential hazard and corresponding control measure. This comprehensive plan covered site-specific risks, operational procedures, emergency response protocols, and communication hierarchies. It served as the central reference point for all personnel.
• Weather Management Plan (WMP): Given LA’s dynamic climate, a detailed WMP was crucial. This included real-time weather monitoring protocols, trigger points for various interventions (e.g., high winds affecting temporary structures, heat advisories for crowd hydration, sudden rain affecting outdoor stages), and clear evacuation or sheltering procedures to protect attendees and equipment. Contingency plans for extreme heat, unexpected downpours, and high winds were meticulously laid out.
• Crisis Management Plan (CMP): Developed in close collaboration with ex-Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) staff and other emergency services, the CMP addressed a spectrum of high-impact scenarios, including civil unrest, active threats, structural collapse, and mass casualty incidents. It defined command and control structures, communication cascades, and resource deployment strategies, ensuring a unified and rapid response to any unforeseen major incident.

3.2. Operational Safety Implementation & Oversight

• Site Inductions: Mandatory, safety inductions were conducted for all staff, contractors, and key volunteers prior to accessing the site. These sessions covered general site rules, emergency procedures, hazard identification, and specific safety protocols pertinent to their roles (e.g., working at height, manual handling, electrical safety). PPE compliance was also strictly enforced.
• Show Stop Procedures: Clearly defined, step-by-step protocols for halting the show safely and efficiently in response to immediate threats (e.g., stage malfunction, security breach, severe weather). These procedures involved clear communication channels, designated safe zones, and rehearsal of actions to minimise panic and ensure orderly transitions.
• Crowd Management Strategy: For a capacity of 5,000 + across diverse zones, a sophisticated crowd management plan was essential. This involved:

• • Flow Analysis: Designing entry/exit points, pathways, and chokepoints to ensure smooth, unimpeded crowd movement.
  • Zoning & Capacity Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of real-time crowd density in all indoor and outdoor areas, with designated capacities for each space.
  • Egress Planning: Multiple, clearly marked emergency exits with sufficient width and clear pathways to facilitate rapid evacuation if necessary.
  • Proactive Engagement: Training security and crowd management personnel in de-escalation techniques and proactive communication to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

• Fire Safety Planning: A multi-layered fire safety strategy was implemented, including:

• • Risk Assessments: Identification of all potential fire hazards, particularly around special effects, catering areas, and production zones.
  • Suppression Systems: Placement of appropriate fire extinguishers, and a maintained 20ft fire lane for access for LAFD vehicles.
  • Means of Egress: Ensuring all exits were clearly marked, unobstructed, and well-lit.

• Contractor Management: A robust system was in place for all third-party contractors, ensuring their adherence to HornerSalus’s safety standards and legal requirements. This included:

• • Pre-qualification: Review of contractor Liability Insurance, certifications, and Method Statements & Risk Assessments (RAMS).
  • Onsite Monitoring: Regular safety tours and compliance checks throughout the build, live, and de-rig phases.
  • Communication: Establishing clear lines of communication for reporting incidents, hazards, and deviations from safety plans.

• Onsite Safety Management & Event Control: A dedicated HornerSalus team was present on site 24/7 during the build and de-rig, and throughout the live event. This team, during the live period, operated from a central Event Control room, in full collaboration with off-duty LAPD and other emergency services. This joint command centre facilitated real-time decision-making, resource coordination, and immediate response to any unfolding situation. Key functions included:

• • Monitoring CCTV feeds.
  • Managing radio communications.
  • Tracking incident logs.
  • Coordinating with operational teams.

4. Safety Considerations Across Diverse Event Overlay Elements

The festival’s extensive overlay demanded bespoke safety considerations for each component:

• Food Trucks: Ensured compliance with LA County Department of Public Health regulations, including safe food handling, waste management, fire suppression for cooking equipment (e.g., propane tanks), and proper electrical connections.
• Ablution Blocks: Regular cleaning schedules, adequate lighting, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and sufficient numbers to meet the needs of 5,000 attendees.
• Medics and Ambulances: Strategically located first aid stations with qualified medical personnel. An ambulance was stationed on-site and in close proximity, enabling rapid response to any medical emergencies, supported by a tiered escalation protocol.
• Back of House (BOH) Production Area: Strict access control, clear segregation of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, designated safe zones for equipment storage, and adherence to specific production safety protocols (e.g., rigging safety, electrical distribution).
• Bars: Responsible beverage service (RBS) compliance, clear sightlines for security, efficient queuing systems to prevent congestion, and rapid response to intoxicated patrons.
• Security Personnel: A multi-tiered security plan involving off-duty LAPD officers, plainclothes security, and specialist teams. All security staff were competent in crowd management, conflict de-escalation, and emergency response.
• Traffic Management: Collaboration with Traffic Management provider to implement, shuttle services, road closures, detour routes, and clear signage. A comprehensive pedestrian management plan ensured safe arrival and departure flows, minimising conflict with vehicle traffic.
• Special FX (Pyrotechnics, Lasers, Smoke): Rigorous safety protocols for all special effects, including:

• • Employing certified pyrotechnicians and laser operators.
  • Implementing stringent fire watch procedures during and after FX deployment.
  • Ensuring adequate ventilation for smoke effects in indoor spaces.

• Temporary Structures, Media Risers, Temporary Stairs, Projection Towers: All temporary structures underwent stringent structural engineering inspections and certification. Daily pre-use checks were conducted by qualified personnel to verify stability, secure bracing, and safe access, particularly following any weather events.
• Performers: Stage safety assessments focused on non-slip surfaces, clear pathways for performers, and appropriate lighting to prevent trip hazards. In-situ dance rehearsals were also carried out prior to the live event, ensuring all performers were comfortable with their access and egress routes and positions on the day.

5. Build and De-rig Safety: Precision and Compliance

The multi-week build and subsequent de-rig phases represented a significant undertaking, involving extensive heavy machinery and numerous contractors. HornerSalus deployed a dedicated team of safety officers to meticulously oversee these critical periods, ensuring that all operations were conducted in strict accordance with LA law and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Key safety measures during build and de-rig included:

• Heavy Machinery Management:

• • Cranes, Scissor Lifts, Tele-handlers, Forklifts, Boom Lifts: All operators were required to possess valid certifications and undergo daily pre-shift inspections of their equipment.
  • Lift Plans: Detailed lift plans were developed for all complex hoisting operations, reviewed and approved by certified engineers.
  • Exclusion Zones: Clearly marked and enforced exclusion zones were established around active heavy machinery to protect ground personnel.
  • Spotters & Communication: Mandatory use of trained spotters and clear radio communication protocols during all lifting and manoeuvring operations.

• Working at Height: Strict adherence to fall protection regulations, including the mandatory use of harnesses, lifelines, and guardrails for any work performed at elevated positions.
• Site Security & Access Control: Controlled access points and robust perimeter security prevented unauthorised entry, minimising risks from non-essential personnel in active construction zones.
• Waste Management: Systematic waste segregation and removal plans to maintain a clear and safe working environment, reducing slip, trip, and fire hazards.

6. Dynamic Adaptability and Flawless Execution

No large-scale event is without its challenges, and the Downtown LA Music Festival presented several dynamic scenarios that tested the robustness of HornerSalus’s safety framework. These included, for instance, sudden, high winds requiring immediate adjustments to our wind management plans and the inclusion of void protection on scaffolding.

In each instance, HornerSalus’s experienced onsite team demonstrated exceptional agility and problem-solving capabilities.

Through continuous risk assessment, proactive communication with all stakeholders, and the empowered decision-making of our safety officers, we were able to dynamically adapt to evolving circumstances. This inherent adaptability ensured that potential issues were identified early, mitigated effectively, and never allowed to escalate into incidents.

The ultimate proof of HornerSalus’s comprehensive and proactive approach is the flawless safety record achieved: zero incidents reported during the entire multi-week build, the one-night live event, and the subsequent de-rig phase.

7. Conclusion: Attesting to International Competency

The successful and incident-free execution of the Downtown LA Music Festival stands as a powerful testament to HornerSalus’s deep expertise and proven track record in managing health and safety for complex, large-scale events. Our ability to seamlessly integrate with diverse teams, navigate stringent regulatory environments like those in Los Angeles, and deliver exceptional safety outcomes under pressure, reaffirms our position as a leading international health and safety consultancy.

HornerSalus offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to ensure the safety, compliance, and smooth operation of your next major project, anywhere in the world. Partner with us to transform potential risks into assured success.

Contact HornerSalus Today

To learn more about how HornerSalus can provide unparalleled health and safety support for your next event or project, please contact us at: info@hornersalus.com or  +44 20 8954 6333