The COVID situation has compelled Western Australians who normally travel overseas to explore the state, with popular local amenities and tourists destinations now consistently operating at or over capacity. People are also flocking to regional areas in record numbers and exploring remote sites.
This is a trend that is likely to continue into the foreseeable future. Whilst it is a welcome boost to our local economies, it also places pressure on existing infrastructure and the resources required to manage this infrastructure.
There has never been a more relevant time than now to consider public safety at local government facilities, places, and spaces. Managing public safety reduces the likelihood of visitors suffering harm and as a consequence reduces your exposure to associated liabilities.
Two of the common liability themes we see emerging from public spaces relate to:
- The condition of infrastructure – poorly maintained facilities can pose defects and hidden hazards to users.
- The lack of information available to visitors – people who are inexperienced and unfamiliar with local conditions are unable to make informed risk decisions.
Here are some of the things you can do and questions you can ask that will assist in managing your liability exposure in this current climate.