Before the lights go up and the crew hits the road, one thing can make or break the success of a tour — a solid pre-tour health briefing. This isn’t just a tick-box exercise; it’s a foundation for safety, performance, and resilience.
1. What Is a Pre-Tour Health Briefing?
A pre-tour health briefing is a session held before a tour begins to discuss risks, safety procedures, mental health resources, emergency contacts, and recovery strategies. More: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/topic/managing-health-and-safety
2. Aligns Expectations and Culture
It helps ensure everyone is on the same page. You can reinforce that health and wellbeing matter, and that it’s okay to speak up early if someone’s struggling.
3. Identifies Pre-Existing Needs
Some team members may have conditions that require consideration — asthma, anxiety, injuries, or medication needs. A briefing allows for safe disclosure and planning. More: https://headtohealth.gov.au/
4. Supports Emergency Preparedness
Who calls an ambulance? What if someone goes missing post-show? Health briefings clarify protocols and reduce chaos when things go wrong. More: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-to-do-in-an-emergency
5. Introduces the Support Network
It’s the perfect time to introduce allied health providers, tour medics, mental health contacts, or peer support leaders. Familiarity builds approachability.
6. Creates a Culture of Psychological Safety
Briefings allow for normalising conversations around stress, burnout, sleep, and recovery. This reduces stigma and encourages help-seeking early. More: https://www.headsup.org.au/
7. Enables Better Risk Management
Briefings reduce the risk of claims and incidents. When everyone understands how to lift properly, where to access hydration, or when to rest — fewer injuries happen.
8. Boosts Team Cohesion
A shared start builds trust. People feel seen and supported — which translates into better collaboration and long-term commitment.
Final Thoughts
A pre-tour health briefing is one of the simplest ways to protect your people and your project. It builds safety, trust, and readiness — so the show goes on without unnecessary setbacks.
