By Heather Yaxley

As the general secretary of the Motor Industry Public Affairs Association (MIPAA), I develop training and workshops for our 450 members.  One area that we have identified as key, especially in relation to organising launch events with journalists, is risk assessment.

This was evident from the recent report by the HSE into the Top Gear crash in 2006 involving Richard Hammond.  Although this did not involve a standard road test vehicle, there are several areas where lessons can be learned by PR practitioners (and the media).

Traditionally, organising press events, such as new car launches, has involved finding a good hotel, planning an interesting driving route and ensuring cars and journos are in the right place at the right time. 

Today, things are very different.  Where once the social side dominated (with alcohol even served at lunch stops), a more professional approach is evident.  In recent years, journalists have been required to sign indemnity forms, driving licences are routinely checked, and opportunities to drive at speed are kept to racing tracks.

But is this enough?  We don’t think so and so I’m looking at offering a specific course in risk assessment for automotive PR practitioners.  Would something based on the CIEH Level 3 Award be appropriate?  It appears to cover principles and practices that could be related to our particular needs.  Should we seek to offer this general qualification or would it be better to focus on specialist aspects of PR and the motoring industry?

I really would appreciate some expert H&S insight into this area.  It is undoubtedly going to be more and more important for PR practitioners to be trained in risk assessment.  So how can we best help our members gain relevant skills and knowledge?