Glass Breakage Response & Safety Bins at Wine Festivals: Training Quick Sweep Teams to Reduce Risk

A shattered wine glass at a festival can spell trouble in seconds. Broken glass isn’t just a minor inconvenience – it’s a safety hazard that festival organizers must proactively manage. Wine festivals, unlike many music events, almost always use real glassware to enhance the tasting experience. This elevates the need for robust glass breakage response protocols. By training quick “sweep teams” and providing clearly labeled glass disposal bins, festival producers can significantly reduce the risk of injuries while keeping the atmosphere elegant and enjoyable.

Why Glass Safety Matters at Wine Festivals

Wine festivals are unique in that attendees often roam with delicate wine glasses in hand. The clink of real glass adds to the charm, but it also introduces risk. A single dropped glass can scatter sharp shards over a wide area, threatening attendees, staff, and even equipment. In the moment of excitement (or after a few wine samples), accidents happen. According to the National Safety Council, over one million people are injured by glass each year in the United States (www.luxwisp.com), and about 30,000 end up in emergency rooms due to glass-related injuries (www.luxwisp.com). A significant number of these incidents occur at events and public gatherings.

Many large music festivals have responded by banning glass entirely on site (festivalpro.com). For example, Glastonbury and other major events list glass bottles and containers as prohibited items to prevent dangerous breakages (festivalpro.com). In fact, festival cleanup data shows how much glass can accumulate: the 2015 Glastonbury Festival clean-up had to handle 9 tonnes of glass waste even with an attendee glass ban (www.forgerecycling.co.uk). This highlights the sheer scale of glass hazard potential. However, at wine festivals, real glassware is often non-negotiable – it’s part of the culture and experience. Tasting fine wine from a plastic cup just isn’t the same, and sustainable events now shy away from single-use plastics. For instance, the 2024 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival completely ditched plastic cups and encouraged guests to bring or purchase proper wine glasses (www.scmp.com). If you’re going to allow (or even encourage) glass on-site, then safety measures must be front and centre.

Using real glass elevates your festival’s sophistication, but it also means broken glass will happen. It’s common at large wine events for multiple glasses to break over the course of a day. At the Virginia Wine Expo, for example, attendees were each given a crystal Riedel wine glass – a fantastic touch – but “many of which broke throughout the afternoon” amid the festivities (rvamag.com). In fact, by late in the day, glasses were shattering at regular 10-minute intervals and (in light-hearted fashion) each breakage even prompted cheers of “Opa!” from the crowd (rvamag.com). While the celebratory response was all in good fun, every one of those breaks was a potential accident scene. Proactive festival management is crucial to ensure that a moment of clumsiness doesn’t turn into an injury or a liability.

Preparing for the Inevitable: Risk Assessment and Planning

Every festival producer should include glass breakage in their event risk assessment. Start by identifying high-risk areas and times. Where are glasses most likely to be dropped? Common hotspots include tasting booths (where busy hands juggle glass, bottles, and maybe a plate of cheese), entry points (where guests may fumble with programs and welcome glasses), picnic areas, and near trash bins or sinks. If your wine festival has a stage or entertainment zones, consider the evening hours when more glasses have been filled (and refilled) – the combination of reduced lighting and merriment can increase accidents.

Once you’ve identified the risk, implement control measures. Set a clear policy and procedure for glass breakage: what should staff do immediately when a glass breaks, and who is responsible for each step? These protocols should be documented and shared with your team and vendors. Some festivals even rehearse these scenarios during staff training or orientation. Ensuring everyone knows how to react quickly and safely will save precious seconds when an incident occurs. And it’s not just during the event – plan for post-event cleanup too. Broken glass hidden in the grass or carpeting can injure cleanup crews or future park visitors. Professional event cleaners or volunteer teams must be equipped to scour the venue after the party, often combing every inch to retrieve missed shards. (Even with great during-event response, there will almost always be a few stray pieces.) As a dramatic example of scale, the Glastonbury 2015 cleanup enlisted 800 volunteer litter-pickers who collected mountains of waste including those 9 tonnes of glass (www.forgerecycling.co.uk). Your wine festival likely won’t reach Glasto’s size, but the principle of thorough planning and adequate manpower applies no matter the scale.

Quick Sweep Teams: Training a Rapid Response Crew

One of the smartest investments in festival safety is establishing Quick Sweep Teams – small groups of staff or volunteers dedicated solely to responding to spills and breakages at a moment’s notice. These are your festival’s unsung heroes who dash in with a broom and dustpan before most attendees even realise something’s amiss.

Composition and Training: A quick sweep team might be as simple as a pair of people assigned to a zone, always on standby. Train these team members in advance on exactly how to handle broken glass swiftly and safely. They should wear easily identifiable clothing (hi-vis vests with a “Safety Team” label, for instance) so that any nearby staff or attendees can flag them down when a glass shatters. Training should cover:

• Safety gear: Quick sweepers must have thick gloves (cut-resistant gloves are ideal) and closed-toe shoes. For indoor or paved venues, safety goggles are wise to protect against any tiny shards that might flick up (www.luxwisp.com).
• Tools: Equip them with small broom-and-pan sets or hand-held mechanical sweepers. Some festivals even supply portable battery-powered vacuum devices designed for glass, useful on hard surfaces. For outdoor events on grass or soil, a stiff brush and dustpan may work, but also consider a flat piece of cardboard to scoop underneath shards. Have a sturdy container (like a plastic tub or bucket) lined with a tough bag with you at all times to receive the broken glass.
• Procedure: Instruct the team to first secure the area. This might mean one person acts as a lookout, politely stopping anyone from walking through the danger zone, while the other carefully handles the cleanup. Marking the spot is helpful – carrying a small caution sign or even a brightly coloured cloth to drop near the spill can signal to others to steer clear. Only then should they start sweeping up the fragments, moving from the outside of the spread inward to avoid pushing shards farther out.
• Thoroughness: Emphasise the importance of getting even the tiny slivers. After the visible pieces are gone, the team can use a heavy-duty wet paper towel or duct tape wrapped around a glove to blot the ground and pick up microscopic bits. A flashlight can help scan for any glinting pieces on darker floors or at night.

Communication is key. Quick sweep teams should be connected via radio or mobile app to the event control centre or safety manager. The moment a break occurs, any staff member or security guard should be able to call in “Glass break at Zone X, near Booth Y,” and the nearest sweep team should respond immediately. Consider implementing a simple radio code for it (some events use a discreet code like “Cleanup Team to Red Zone” to avoid alarming guests with the word “glass” over public radios). Within seconds, your trained responders arrive on scene.

Case Study: At the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival in New Zealand, organisers deploy roaming safety teams equipped to handle hazards exactly like this. The festival’s operations crew, led by experienced event managers, stations personnel at key areas to watch for fallen glasses or spills. When a wine glass shatters under the summer sun, staff members swoop in almost instantly – one stands guard while another sweeps up – often before most attendees even know there was an issue. This level of alertness and agility comes from training and planning, and it pays off by preventing injuries (and keeping the festival vibe intact). Seasoned producers know that a swift, low-key response also helps avoid drawing negative attention; guests appreciate seeing a hazard addressed without fuss so they can continue enjoying the day.

For smaller boutique wine festivals, a formal “team” might just be one extra staffer whose sole job is to circulate and monitor for breakage. It could even be a volunteer role filled by a local community member or a student in hospitality management looking for experience. The key is that someone (ideally more than one person) has the clear responsibility to react the second glass breaks. They aren’t busy pouring wine or selling tickets – they are free to focus on safety response. This dedicated focus can be a lifesaver (literally) and also helps other staff stay on task without distraction.

Labeled Safety Bins: Separate and Conquer

A crucial but often overlooked element of glass safety is proper disposal. Once the glass is swept up, where does it go? Dumping shards into a regular trash bin is asking for trouble – it endangers the janitorial team and anyone else handling that garbage bag, and broken glass mixed with other waste can tear through liners or get scattered again. The solution is to use designated, clearly labeled safety bins for broken glass at your festival.

What is a safety bin? In this context, it can be any sturdy container that is reserved exclusively for broken glass and other sharp items. Some festivals use hard plastic buckets with lids, old wine barrels marked “Broken Glass Only,” or heavy-duty cardboard boxes lined with thick contractor bags. The key is that it’s robust enough to hold sharp glass without puncturing, and it’s well-marked so everyone knows its purpose. For example, broken glass should never be thrown into a flimsy trash bag where an unwary cleaner might grab it and get cut. Industry guidelines recommend using puncture-proof containers specifically designed for sharps, or reinforcing a container and labeling it clearly as containing sharp glass (www.luxwisp.com) (www.luxwisp.com).

Placement of bins: Strategically place these glass disposal containers in areas where breakages are most likely: behind each wine vendor’s stall or booth, at central dumping stations for staff, near dishwashing areas or glass rinsing stations, and with each quick sweep team. Make sure every staff member and vendor knows where these bins are located. If a wine glass cracks at a stall (perhaps during polishing or if knocked over on a counter), the staff there should immediately use their designated bin rather than the public trash can. By having bins nearby, you reduce the temptation to take shortcuts.

Label the bins with bold text and even a bright color code. A red bin with “BROKEN GLASS – CAUTION” on it will ensure even a temporary staff member or overnight cleaning crew cannot mistake its purpose. This protects your cleaning crews and the environment. Recycling considerations: If sustainability is a priority (as it is for many wine festivals), you might plan to recycle the broken glass. Contact a local recycling facility in advance to see if they accept broken glass and under what conditions. Often, they’ll require it to be separated and in a sturdy container – which you’ve already got covered. At large events, broken glass can really add up; having a plan to recycle it responsibly not only is eco-friendly but can win community points for your festival.

During the event, instruct your quick sweep team (and other staff) to transfer collected shards into these labeled safety bins throughout the day. Never let a dustpan full of glass sit around longer than necessary – it should go straight into a secure container. And of course, keep the safety bins out of reach of attendees (behind a counter or rope) so a curious guest doesn’t accidentally injure themselves. At the end of each day, the bins should be carefully sealed (tape lids or tie off heavy bags) and stored in a secure area until they can be disposed of properly. Mark them for disposal so that your waste management contractor knows to handle them with gloves. Clear labeling on the bags/containers such as “CAUTION: BROKEN GLASS” is vital (www.luxwisp.com).

Tip: Provide smaller portable containers (like a thick plastic tub) to any roaming cleanup staff or volunteer teams so they can safely carry shards from the break site back to the main disposal bin. It’s much safer than carrying shards in an open dustpan through a crowd!

Festivals that have implemented dedicated glass disposal systems have seen great results. Case in point: The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival in Australia, which spans multiple sites and hundreds of wineries, has a meticulous waste and safety plan. The organisers supply each vendor booth with a small countertop bin for any broken glass, which can be quickly sealed. Runners swap them out as needed so vendors aren’t tempted to hide glass in regular trash. This practice, born from some early lessons years ago, means that even with thousands of attendees sipping from real glassware, incidents of accidental cuts from disposed glass have virtually vanished. By giving vendors and staff the right tools and clearly explaining the system, the Melbourne festival’s team (led by experienced event director Anthea Loucas and her production crew) has created a culture where safety is second nature – without damping the festival’s refined atmosphere.

Preventing Breakages in the First Place

While our focus is on responding to broken glass, prevention is always better than cure. Reducing the likelihood of drops or breaks will make everyone’s job easier. Here are some preventative strategies tailored for wine festivals:

• Durable Glassware Choices: Not all wine glasses are created equal. If you’re sourcing glasses for your event (especially if they’re branded take-home glasses), consider those made of tempered glass or even polycarbonate that look like glass. Modern unbreakable wine glasses made from high-quality polycarbonate or PET plastic can mimic the elegance of glass while being far more impact-resistant (www.thebrandcompany.net) (www.thebrandcompany.net). Many upscale outdoor events now use these to avoid breakage without sacrificing style. If your festival is outdoors on hard surfaces or around a pool/beach, this might be a wise choice. Some events use a mix – real glass in VIP areas and premium unbreakable cups for the general crowd, balancing safety and experience.
• Wine Glass Lanyards: A fun and practical solution popular in New World wine festivals (from Napa to New South Wales) is the wine glass lanyard. This accessory lets attendees hang their glass around their neck in a sling when not sipping, preventing a lot of accidental drops. It keeps hands free for plate juggling and reduces the chance of a glass being set down precariously or knocked off a table. Many festivals sell branded glass holder lanyards as merch (and clever sponsorship opportunities exist here too). Not only do these lanyards help reduce breakage, they become a quirky souvenir for guests – win-win! If you provide them, include a brief how-to at the entrance so people trust that the holder will securely support their glass.
• Dedicated Glass Pick-Up/Drop Zones: If you anticipate attendees getting progressively inebriated (which can happen even at polite wine tastings!), consider setting up a glass return booth or drop zone where those who’ve had enough can hand in their glass before, say, hitting the dance floor. A checked-glass service (like a coat check for glassware) might sound odd, but it can be useful at festivals that transition into evening concerts or parties. Alternatively, encourage attendees to leave their glass with a vendor or at a table when engaging in activities like grape-stomping contests or mingling in tight spaces. Design the festival layout with plenty of cup holders or shelves, whether cocktail tables or railing ledges, so people aren’t balancing glasses on festival maps or uneven surfaces.
• Signage and Subtle Reminders: Without dampening the mood, you can remind guests to be mindful. A tasteful sign at the entrance might read, “Enjoy your wine in our beautiful commemorative glass – please take care as you wander (broken glass and bare feet don’t mix!).” Some festivals add a note in the program or on the festival app: “If you break your glass, please stay put and wave down a staff member for assistance – we’ll replace it quickly.” This not only helps get the quick sweep team there faster, it also reassures guests that accidents are okay and will be handled. Communication can thus prevent secondary issues, like someone cutting themselves while trying to pick up shards on their own.
• Glass Exchange/Deposit System: Consider a deposit system for glasses. Many European beer festivals do this to encourage returns (attendees pay a few euros deposit and get it back when returning the glass intact). For wine events, a deposit or token system could work as well: it subtly incentivises people to be careful with that glass if they want their deposit back. At the very least, if a glass is broken, the deposit covers the cost of a replacement, which keeps your budget safe. If not a deposit, simply having a stock of replacement glasses for sale (or free replacement with a bit of good humor at a “Whoops, I broke my glass” station) can turn a negative into a neutral or positive experience. The key is to manage it so that a broken glass doesn’t ruin a guest’s day – or your day.

Engaging Staff, Vendors, and Community in Safety

Safety at a festival is everyone’s job – not just the designated safety crew. Cultivating a culture of attentiveness among all staff and vendors is a powerful way to multiply your eyes and ears on the ground. In pre-event vendor briefings, include a segment on what to do if glass breaks at their stall. Emphasise that it’s never acceptable to kick shards aside or hide a breakage. Vendors should immediately halt service in that spot and either manage the cleanup if they’re trained and equipped, or signal for the sweep team. Many festival vendors, especially those who do a circuit of events, will already know this – but reinforcing it shows that your festival truly prioritises safety.

Engage your volunteers and community groups as well. Some wine festivals partner with local volunteer organisations (like a Rotary Club or student hospitality programs) to help with festival operations. This can extend to safety roles too. For example, a group of volunteers can be assigned as “Festival Safety Ambassadors” who walk around in pairs, enjoying the event but also keeping an eye out for potential hazards like broken glass, spills, or anyone who might need help. They can’t replace professional crew, but they augment your coverage. Equip them with small first-aid pouches and a direct line to call the quick sweep team or medical team if needed.

After the event, community involvement can really shine. Wine festivals often take place in picturesque parks, vineyards, or city plazas that the organisers want to keep on good terms with. Organising a community clean-up effort the next morning can be a great way to engage local wine enthusiasts or environmental groups. For example, the day after the festival, invite volunteers (perhaps offering them a free bottle of wine or tickets for next year as thanks) to help do a final sweep of the grounds. Hand out sturdy gloves, magnetic sweepers for any stray metallic bottle caps, and brushes for glass. It’s a fantastic community-building exercise and demonstrates that your festival cares about the locale. In regions like California and France, some vineyard-based festivals incorporate such clean-ups as part of their sustainability charter, turning it into a press opportunity that showcases environmental responsibility (just be sure volunteers are properly briefed on safety and supervised, especially when handling broken glass).

Communication & Attendee Awareness

Don’t underestimate the role of communication in risk reduction. Proactive communication – both before and during the event – can prepare attendees and reduce panic or injuries when something does happen. Here are a few communication strategies:

• Pre-Event Messaging: When you send out the “Know Before You Go” email or festival guide (ideally via your ticketing platform like Ticket Fairy or similar), include a note on glass safety. This could be a friendly reminder: “We provide all guests with a commemorative wine glass. In the unlikely event it breaks, please notify a staff member or volunteer – our team will promptly assist. For everyone’s safety, broken glass is cleaned up immediately.” This sets expectations that the festival has things under control and educates guests not to handle it themselves. If your festival has any policies like a glass deposit or a limit on bringing outside glass, this is the place to mention it too.
• On-Site Signage and Announcements: As mentioned earlier, a few well-placed signs can help. Additionally, your stage MC or DJ can make a light announcement periodically (especially if there’s a lull in entertainment): “Quick safety reminder folks – if you happen to drop your glass, just give a shout to one of our staff in the yellow shirts. They’ll get it cleaned up and fetch you a new glass so you can keep enjoying the wine. We’re here to help you have a great time safely!” Framing it positively keeps it from sounding scolding or ominous.
• Social Media & Live Updates: If your festival has a social media presence or an app for attendees, use it to your advantage. A tweet or app notification like “Loving the festival? So are we! Quick cheers to our safety team who are on standby to handle any spills (including broken glass). They’ve got your back – and your feet! – so you can sip safely. #WineFestSafety” can simultaneously appreciate your crew and inform attendees. During the event, if there’s an incident (say a notable one like a larger glass structure breaking), you might consider a heads-up on the app (“We had a bottle breakage near the North Garden area – it’s all cleaned up now, thanks to those who cooperated!”) – but only do this for major issues, as you don’t want to flood people with minor details.
• Two-Way Communication: Encourage attendees to participate in safety too. Provide an easy way for them to report hazards. This could be as simple as instructing them to notify the nearest staff, or as high-tech as a QR code posted around that opens a reporting form on their phone. At some festivals, texting a keyword to an alert number (for example, “Text SAFE to 12345 with your location if you see any hazard”) is an efficient system. Ensure these messages go straight to your control center or safety officer who can dispatch a team. Attendees will appreciate feeling like partners in creating a safe environment.

Finally, highlight the positive. If your festival goes off with zero injuries or incidents, celebrate that fact in your post-event communications. Thank the attendees for being careful and the staff for being on the ball. It reinforces the message that safety is a core value of the festival and not just an afterthought. At the end of the day, a safe festival is one where everyone – from wine pourers to ticket-takers to guests – looks out for each other.

Budgeting for Safety and Equipment

Safety measures do come with costs, but they are an essential part of your festival budget. The good news is that many of the precautions for glass breakage aren’t exorbitantly expensive – and they can save you money by preventing accidents (and potential lawsuits or medical bills). Here’s where to allocate funds:

• Protective Equipment & Tools: Quality brooms, dustpans, gloves, and goggles for your quick sweep teams are must-haves. These are one-time buys that can be reused across events (just stock replacement gloves or broom heads as needed). Heavy-duty containers or bins for glass disposal also fall here. You might spend a few hundred dollars (or equivalent) on setting up multiple stations and kits, which is minor compared to other festival costs.
• Staffing or Volunteer Training: If your event is large, you might hire professional cleaning staff or an on-call janitorial service for the day – budget for their time. For smaller events using volunteers, budget for their training session (maybe an extra day or at least an hour during orientation dedicated to safety) and perhaps a nice perk for them (a free lunch or a post-event volunteer party). Remember that a motivated, well-trained team works more effectively.
• Glassware Costs: If you opt for tempered or polycarbonate wine glasses to minimize breakage, these can be pricier per unit than basic glass. However, if they avert even a few breaks, they’ve paid off. Consider them an investment in both safety and experience (since unbreakable glasses also mean fewer interruptions and a cleaner venue). Alternatively, if you run a deposit scheme, budget a float of cash to handle returns, and some extras for inevitable breakage or loss.
• Insurance and Compliance: Many insurance providers and local authorities will want to see your risk mitigation plans. While this isn’t a direct budget line, be aware that demonstrating good safety practices (like having trained cleanup crews and proper disposal) could favorably impact your insurance premiums or at least ensure coverage in case of a claim. It also helps in obtaining permits – a festival that can show it has thought through glass safety will satisfy health and safety officials. In some regions, festivals are required to have a specific waste management plan; failing to plan for broken glass could even jeopardise your permit.
• Contingency Fund: It’s wise to set aside a small contingency budget for unexpected needs – perhaps you suddenly realize you need more trash grabbers or an industrial vacuum rental for post-event cleaning because a lot of glass got ground into a lawn. Having a little financial flexibility means you can respond to surprises swiftly in the name of safety.

Ultimately, investing in these areas is investing in your festival’s reputation. A well-run wine festival is one where patrons remember the great Cabernet they tried or the lovely vineyard setting – not that someone got cut on broken glass. The relatively small costs of preventive measures pale in comparison to the goodwill (and stress avoidance) you earn by keeping everyone safe.

Balancing Elegance and Safety

Wine festivals thrive on a sense of elegance, cultural flair, and relaxed enjoyment. Some organisers might worry that too many safety measures or visible cleanup crews will detract from the ambiance. In reality, it’s quite the opposite when done properly. A swift response to hazards and a clean environment elevates the guest experience – it shows professionalism and care. Attendees, especially at upscale events, appreciate knowing that the event staff is on top of things.

The key is to integrate safety seamlessly. Quick sweep teams should be unobtrusive but effective. Equip them with attire that is identifiable but not jarring – maybe a branded polo and a discreet “Safety Team” badge rather than a neon vest, if that suits your image. Safety bins can be tucked just out of sight of guest areas yet still accessible. Signage can be stylish in design. You might even incorporate a thematic twist: for example, at a French wine festival, safety notices were playfully phrased with wine puns (“Don’t let a glass put a cork in your fun – notify staff if one breaks!”). This got chuckles but also did the job.

Give thought to the venue selection and layout in terms of safety. If you have a choice of venue, consider flooring and terrain: grassy fields hide glass more than concrete patios (though grass is softer if someone falls). Historic cobblestone courtyards might look lovely but can cause a glass to shatter into myriad pieces that are hard to find between stones. That doesn’t mean avoiding unique venues – just adapt your plan. Maybe increase the number of sweep team members in a tricky venue, or use outdoor mats/temporary flooring in high-traffic tasting zones to catch fragments. If your festival is indoors (like in a convention center or winery hall), coordinate with the venue’s cleaning staff – they often have industrial vacuums and protocols for broken glass (since conferences and banquets deal with it too). Leverage their expertise and make sure it’s clear in your contract who handles what during and after the event.

Also, consider weather and timing: a glass dropped in daylight is easier to spot than one at night. Ensure your lighting is sufficient in all areas if the event goes into evening. Have flashlights on hand for sweeps after dark. Rain can exacerbate the situation by hiding glass in puddles or mud (and people slip more). If there’s a chance of wet weather, even more vigilance is needed – perhaps switch to shatter-resistant cups if forecast looks bad, or close off any slick areas.

At the end of the day, a wine festival is about enjoyment – tasting, learning, socialising. By taking care of hazards efficiently, you allow that enjoyment to proceed unblemished. In the decades of experience from festivals around the world – from the Bordeaux Fête le Vin in France to the Napa Valley Wine Expo in the USA – the best producers have learned that hospitality and safety go hand in hand. Guests may not consciously notice when an event is safe and smooth, but they will absolutely notice (and never forget) if it’s not. A minor cut or a near-miss with a glass can sour someone’s memory of an otherwise lovely day. That’s why it’s so crucial to implement these glass safety measures with diligence and pride.

Learning from Successes and Mishaps

Every festival (especially those in their early years) encounters a few hiccups. The goal is to learn from each incident and continuously improve your safety game. Perhaps in your first year, you realised you didn’t have enough brooms when two glasses broke at opposite ends of the site simultaneously. Or maybe a guest complained they almost tripped because a broken glass wasn’t cleaned fast enough. These are learning opportunities. In post-event debriefings, always include the operations and safety teams. Discuss any glass-related incidents:

• How quickly was the response?
• Did staff follow protocol?
• Were the supplies adequate?
• Did we communicate well with the public (e.g., politely clearing people from the area, replacing the guest’s glass, etc.)?
• What can we do to prevent a similar incident next time?

It can be helpful to keep a simple log during the event of any safety incidents. This doesn’t need to be complicated – even a clipboard at the operations tent where you jot “3:30 PM – glass break near Wine Booth C, no injury, cleaned in 2 minutes” is valuable data. Over multiple festivals, you might notice patterns (e.g., “Wow, each day around 4 PM we had a spike in breaks in the central area – maybe that’s when the crowd was heaviest or people got tipsier”). Those insights could lead to solutions like scheduling an extra roving team during peak times or doing a targeted PA reminder about being careful when the pattern suggests it’s needed.

Don’t forget to celebrate successes. If your team managed a tricky situation – say, a whole case of wine bottles fell and shattered (it happens!) – recognize and commend how it was handled. Share the story in your team newsletter or an all-staff meeting: “Thanks to quick thinking, the spill by the stage was cleared in under 5 minutes and the show went on without a hitch. Great teamwork!” This not only boosts morale but reinforces the value of the protocols you’ve put in place.

Likewise, study failures from other events too. Sadly, there have been festivals where lack of preparation led to guests getting injured by glass. A story of “Festival X faces lawsuit after attendee slices foot on broken glass” is exactly what we all want to avoid. Use those examples when justifying budget or rules: it underscores why these safety steps aren’t optional or overkill – they are necessary. The next generation of festival producers can learn from these lessons. As the wise saying goes in event management, “Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.” With well-trained sweep teams and proper safety bins, a broken glass is no longer a crisis, just a minor blip in an otherwise joyous celebration.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Real Glass, but Plan Accordingly: Wine festivals often require real glassware for an authentic experience. Accept that glass breakage will happen and integrate that into your safety planning from day one. Banning glass might not be feasible, but mitigating its risks is absolutely within your control.
• Quick Response Saves the Day: Establish dedicated quick sweep teams or individuals whose primary role is responding to broken glass and spills. Train them thoroughly, equip them with the right tools (brooms, gloves, dustpans, flashlights), and ensure they can respond within moments. A fast, calm cleanup prevents injuries and reassures guests.
• Use Labeled Glass Disposal Bins: Never toss broken glass into general trash. Set up sturdy, clearly labeled containers specifically for broken glass at convenient locations. This protects staff and volunteers during and after the festival, and simplifies recycling of glass shards if available. Labeling and using proper containers for sharps is a proven safety practice (www.luxwisp.com).
• Preventive Measures Reduce Breaks: Invest in strategies to minimize breakages in the first place – from offering wine glass lanyards and using more break-resistant glassware, to designing the festival layout with plenty of safe resting spots for glasses. Remind attendees in a friendly way to be cautious, and consider a glass deposit or replacement policy to encourage mindful handling.
• Engage Everyone in Safety: Create a culture where staff, vendors, and attendees all participate in safety. Brief your team on glass break protocols, encourage vendors to promptly report or handle minor breakages at their booths, and communicate to guests that help is on hand. When the whole festival community is alert to hazards, issues are caught and resolved faster.
• Integrate Safety with Hospitality: Show that safety and a good time are not at odds. Subtle, thoughtful approaches (like polite announcements or fun signage) can get the message across without dampening spirits. A well-run event where problems are fixed almost before anyone notices will leave a lasting positive impression on attendees.
• Review, Learn, and Improve: After each festival, review any incidents of broken glass or related injuries. Use those lessons to refine your approach – whether it’s adding more sweepers, repositioning bins, or adjusting attendee messaging. Continuous improvement is the hallmark of a seasoned festival organiser.

By sharing these hard-earned lessons and practical tips, veteran producers pass the torch to the next wave of festival organisers. Managing glass safety at wine festivals is a challenge, but with careful planning and an attentive team, you can uncork a truly safe and successful event. Here’s to brilliant festivals ahead – cheers, and watch those glasses!