Astroworld aftermath: 3 employer takeaways

In the aftermath of the Astroworld music festival gone wrong, event organizers are reconsidering the safety risks at large events. Live Nation and other organizers of the Houston festival are facing numerous lawsuits based on injuries and deaths caused by the failure to host the concert safely. Organizers’ awareness of the risks presented at the event and failure to comply with industry safety standards will likely have a detrimental effect on the pending litigation. Here are a few takeaways for employers.

Learn, comply with OSHA standards

Well before the concert catastrophe took place, Live Nation was aware of problems at past events. The entertainment company and its subsidiary were cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) each year from 2016 until many large events ceased because of the 2020 pandemic. The companies faced penalties amounting to thousands of dollars for violations such as inadequate accident and heat illness prevention plans as well as equipment maintenance.

Despite the many violations and penalties, Live Nation continued placing profits over the safety of their employees and consumers. The Houston Chronicle reported Live Nation companies have been responsible for 200 deaths and at least 750 injuries since 2006. The history of past violations, deaths, and injuries will bolster litigation establishing it was aware of safety and security issues with its event productions.

Identify, mitigate industry-specific risk