A model for safety and security planning of public events for a thousand people

Abstract

This thesis looks at how safety and security can be managed in public events with about 1,000 participants. The purpose was to create a practical checklist that would help event organizers when they prepare safety plans and follow Finnish legislation. The study focused especially on the Assembly Act (1999), the Rescue Act (2011) and the Act on the Safety of Consumer Services (185/2025), together with other relevant regulations. The research was carried out using a qualitative approach. Information was collected through semi-structured interviews with experts who work in event safety. The material from the interviews was analyzed with thematic analysis, which made it possible to find key themes such as cooperation with authorities, differences in how laws are applied, and the role of communication in planning. The main result of the study was a checklist that combines legislation and professional experience into clear action points. The checklist includes themes like crowd management, fire safety, medical services, structures and weather safety, food and water hygiene, alcohol sales, communication and reviewing the event afterwards. The study shows that while laws give the basic framework, organizers need practical tools to apply them in real life. The checklist created in this thesis helps with systematic planning, improves cooperation with authorities and reduces the chance of forgetting important safety issues.