While setting up a stage for a band, there are many things that need checking and doing in order to prevent accidents.
Cables
Cables, plug sockets and plugs all need to be checked. Cables should be checked for any tears and exposed wire. Plug sockets should be checked for anything that looks out of the ordinary, like internal parts being bent or sticking out or casing on things like extension leads coming loose. Plugs need to be checked for anything out of the ordinary and to ensure that the top pin is intact and in good condition, as this prevents electric shocks by dissipating excessive voltage before the other two pins come into contact with electricity. It is also necessary for a plug to click into place and remain there safely.
Cables are also a major trip hazard when left unorganised or placed inconveniently. They should be organised based on what their purpose is, tied together and placed outside of the main areas where performers will be on stage if possible. Additionally, a snake could be used to minimise the distance multiple cables have to travel, as multiple inputs can travel to the desk through one cable.
Electronics
Another hazard is liquid spillages, particularly near electronics but also anywhere where others will have to walk through. It would be wise to ensure that cables and electronics are nowhere near liquids, or if having drinks on stage is absolutely necessary for longer performances with little breaks, they should have a secure lid and kept in a place that isn’t in the area that performers are likely to accidentally trip over them or kick them over, or near electronics.
Trip hazards
Another trip hazard would be any microphone stands or stage accessories. These should be placed behind amps if possible where they’re mostly out of sight and anywhere that people aren’t likely to walk into, like small passages between equipment. Overheads for drums should ideally be hung or placed in front of a drum kit at the sides and the kick’s microphone stand could be placed to the side and as far into the drum kit as possible while still allowing the microphone to sit comfortably. Everything else should follow the rule of being where no one is likely to walk by.
General maintenance & checks
Some other risks are having an unstable stage frame which means a stage can collapse, or hanging objects falling from braces. The stage frame should be checked regularly and corrected by professionals if any problems are encountered and hanging objects should be secured with both a chain and a secure clasp mechanism. Both should be checked regularly to make sure neither are worn down and likely to fail.
dB levels
Speakers that have volume settings on the back of them should be turned low before they’re connected to the desk and turned on to ensure that any audio doesn’t end up being too loud and damaging your ears. Plus, during sound-checks, drums’ gain and level should be adjusted according to the loudest a drummer can play because their dynamics could change drastically throughout a performance and ensuring their loudest is at a safe level means everything else they play will also be within the same range. The same applies with everything else, but drums and vocals especially. A guitarist’s amp settings should be moderately quiet but comfortable enough for a microphone to be able to pick up audio well, as this allows the person at the desk to have more control over the volume. Keys and bass will likely be DI’d most of the time so the desk has most control over the volume range with both.
It’s still important that ear protection is worn at all times when working with loud volumes for long periods of time. I think people should be recommended by venues or performers to bring ear protection because although audio may be within a safe range for a while, continued exposure to that will cause damage.