What type of events typically require a formal risk assessment?

Formal risk assessments are crucial for large public events due to the complexities and potential hazards involved in such gatherings. These events often attract a significant number of attendees, which increases the likelihood of various risks, including safety concerns, crowd management issues, and the potential for emergencies.

Large public events may also take place in outdoor or high-capacity venues where factors such as weather conditions, crowd behavior, and logistical challenges must be carefully evaluated. Conducting a formal risk assessment ensures that organizers can identify these risks, create mitigation plans, and implement safety protocols to protect attendees, staff, and the overall event integrity.

In contrast, private corporate meetings, small family gatherings, and intimate weddings typically involve fewer participants and lower stakes, making the need for a formal risk assessment less critical. While it's still important to consider safety and logistical arrangements in these scenarios, the complexity and potential consequences of not conducting a risk assessment are much more pronounced in large public events.