Protecting Your Staff and Guests: Essential PPE for Arenas and Theatres
Arenas and theatres are places where people come together—for concerts, hockey games, community events, and school productions. But behind the scenes, staff are constantly moving, lifting, managing equipment, and navigating high-traffic zones.
That’s why the right #PPE for #Arenas and #Theatres isn’t optional—it’s essential. merchants.ca helps Ontario venues protect both their staff and guests with reliable, high-quality gear, including slip prevention and visibility and hearing safety,
Slip & Fall Prevention: First Line of Defense in Guest Safety
Slips and falls are one of the most common hazards in arenas and event spaces—especially in winter or during high-traffic events.
Here’s how to reduce the risk:
❶ Safety Footwear
Ensure staff working in concessions, janitorial, or setup crews wear non-slip, CSA-approved #Footwear.
Look for shoes with reinforced soles, water resistance, and anti-fatigue support for long shifts.
❷ Anti-Slip Floor Mats
Place high-traction #Floor mats at entrances, concessions, backstage areas, and washrooms to absorb moisture and reduce slips.
Use scraper mats outdoors and absorbent mats indoors for a full moisture-control system.
❸ Wet Floor Signage
Keep bright yellow caution #Signs nearby for quick deployment during spills or weather events.
Having these tools in place shows guests and staff that your venue takes safety seriously.
High-Visibility Vests: Safety Around Equipment and Vehicles
Arenas and theatres often involve moving vehicles, carts, lifts, and large production equipment—especially during load-in and teardown.
For this reason, you'll want to equip your backstage and event setup crews with high-visibility safety vests. Choose reflective #SafetyVests in CSA-approved orange or yellow with adjustable sizing.
Perfect for lighting techs, riggers, stagehands, or anyone working in low-light or high-risk zones.
Bonus: vests also help event supervisors quickly identify key crew during emergencies.
Hearing Protection for Loud Environments
From concerts to Zambonis, many venue environments are louder than people realize. Long-term exposure can lead to hearing damage—especially for those working close to speakers or equipment.
Offer staff access to:
❶ Reusable or Disposable #Earplugs
Ideal for ushers, security staff, and janitors working during #Concerts, shows, or rehearsals.
❷ Over-the-Ear Hearing Protection
Best for production crews, maintenance staff, or workers near machinery like floor buffers or ice resurfacers.
Providing proper hearing protection not only reduces injury risk—it shows respect for your team's health and comfort.
Questions Worth Asking
As a venue operator, ask yourself:
- Are we prepared for slippery conditions in guest and backstage areas?
- Does our crew have access to proper visibility gear when working near vehicles or in dark spaces?
- Are we offering hearing protection to staff regularly exposed to high decibel levels?
- Have we stocked up on PPE ahead of our busy season?
Answering these questions helps prevent accidents—and builds trust among both staff and visitors.
merchants.ca Keeps Ontario Venues Safe & Event-Ready
Whether you manage a small-town theatre or a major arena, merchants.ca provides trusted PPE and safety supplies that help your events run smoothly and safely. We carry:
- Non-slip footwear
- Anti-fatigue and anti-slip mats
- Hearing protection
- High-visibility vests and apparel
- Wet floor signage and janitorial safety gear
Browse the full range of venue safety supplies at merchants.ca
