The Game Plan: Turning Large-Scale Events into Safe, Successful Opportunities

Written by Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS)

In 2024, when Taylor Swift swept into Toronto, the city experienced a “Swift lift” of over 240,000 visitors – and with it an estimated $282 million in economic impact.  

This summer, it is expected that more than 300,000 fans will be in Toronto for the largest soccer event in the world right at the peak of the tourism season in June and July. And, in September, more than 100,000 visitors will arrive in Ottawa to see the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships. 

Fans and visitors who are eager to get in on the action will be booking accommodations, visiting Ontario tourist destinations, shopping in our stores, and filling up restaurant and patio tables in these cities and across the province. There is no question that large-scale events like these provide a vital economic boost to businesses and create many jobs.  

However, they can also magnify challenges that cities and businesses already face and can bring new issues to light. 

In its 2026 Ontario Economic Report, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce notes that Ontario businesses are already feeling the weight of mental health, substance use and community issues on their operations. Add to that rising costs and inflation, staffing shortages and increasing levels of violence and harassment in the workplace, and it is easy to see how owners and managers might feel some anxiety around these events. 

When temperatures rise, streets get busier, and daily routines are disrupted by congestion and detours, emotions can run high. In these situations, staff are counting on employers to put plans in place that keep interactions respectful and workplaces safe. 

Employers need to be prepared so they can take full advantage of the unique opportunity that large-scale events present to their businesses and the community. One of the keys to success lies in that age-old expression, “Expect the best but prepare for the worst.” This means taking steps to identify existing or potential hazards that need to be addressed, such as possible abuse from customers, clients and the public, as well as seasonal hazards such as heat stress. 

Now is the time for owners and managers to start talking about what to expect. They need to identify and take measures to control hazards and provide any training that is needed to keep employees and customers safe. 

If temporary workers are needed to augment current staffing levels, they will require the same training and support as full-time employees so they are prepared for the possible highs (rushes and high demand for service) and lows (such as hazard conditions due to heat, volatile customers and hard-to-manage crowds). 

To help your business prepare and make the most of these events, consider a few practical moves you can put in place now: 

• Reinforce that large-scale events can be an incredible opportunity when teams work together 
• Establish house rules and communicate clearly that abuse, threats, and harassment toward staff will not be tolerated
• Walk teams through potential scenarios (i.e., how to recognize the signs of heat stress, what to do if a customer is yelling, intoxicated, or making threatening or discriminatory remarks) 
• Provide training on de-escalation to help staff feel confident and competent if these situations arise 
• Plan staffing and supports around high-risk times, such as big match days, late nights, patio rushes, or events linked to teams and games 
• Ensure all workers, whether they are temporary or full-time, know how to report concerns and trust that they will be heard 

Business owners don’t need to become health and safety experts by the summer. However, they can make sure they’ve got the bench strength needed to succeed. 

About Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is a partner in Ontario’s occupational health and safety system. WSPS supports agricultural, manufacturing and service sectors in understanding risks and legal obligations to stay in compliance and build safer workplaces.  

WSPS experts can provide business owners with guidance and training on a wide variety of health and safety topics to prepare for the season ahead, including workplace violence and harassment, de-escalation, safety and security, orienting new workers, and managing heat stress. Small businesses are already covered for many WSPS services through their WSIB premiums at no additional cost. 

The teams heading to our province this year will ensure they are game-ready by being physically conditioned and injury-free, mentally prepared, clear on tactics and roles, confident and prepared for pressure. Employers must do the same. With the right health and safety planning and support, businesses can optimize these unique opportunities and turn them into wins for everyone.  

Visit Kickstart Safety Playbook WSPS to access health and safety resources and tools or to connect with a member of the WSPS team.