Health and safety is the most important thing for a production company to achieve when filming, whether it’s in a studio or on location. The responsibility of making sure everything runs smoothly falls on the managers and producers but all members working on a production need to have an understanding of the health and safety essentials:
• Control
• Co-operation
• Competence
Potential hazards
These are some of the basic hazards that should be taken into consideration and steps the production company should under go to make sure they’re not a problem.
Using studio lights:
a. Risk of burning self
b. Risk of electrocution
c. Risk of fire
d. Risk of tripping over leads
Procedures taken to minimize risk:
a. Provide leather or suede gloves
b. Make sure studio lights are regularly maintained
c. Label all studio electricity supplies clearly
d. Tape leads down at regular intervals
Moving and lifting heavy loads:
a. Risk of back injury
b. Risk of broken bones, strained muscles, bruising and torn ligaments from a fall
Procedures taken to minimize risk:
a. Staff should always ask for help if they think the load is to heavy
b. When using ladders try and secure it to something to stop it moving and ask other members of staff to help pass you the goods your loading or unloading
Using computer/phone/fax equipment:
a. Risk of eye strain
b. Risk of RSI
c. Risk of back strain
Procedures taken to minimize risk:
a. Partake in an annual eye test
b. Office lighting should be supplemented by additional desk lamps
c. Staff should acquaint themselves with correct sitting postures
d. Office chairs should remain comfortable over 7.5 hour working days
Of course all the pressure of health safety doesn’t just lie on the managers and producers. A production ‘team’ is exactly that and should co-operate with each other to make sure they’re working in a safe environment.
Procedures taken by the director
• Give health and safety the same consideration as any other issues that are relevant
• Remain aware of the health and safety aspect throughout the life of the production
• Ensure that no person is instructed to work in a manner that incurs unacceptable risk to health and safety
All employees
• Co-operation with colleagues who are employed to ensure that health and safety is maintained
• No interfering with anything provided in the interest of health and safety
• Promptly reporting any hazardous situations
• Use safety equipment that is necessary to protect against hazards
• Make proper use of washing facilities in order not to be a risk to personal hygiene
• Act responsibly and refrain from horseplay at work.
Freelancers
• Have the right knowledge, training and experience, for the particular work they are to do.
• Know what they are required to do.
• Make sure they are not asked to carry out work beyond their capabilities.
• Will be able to cope with changes on location to reassess the situations.
Children and young persons
Extra precautions are to be taken when working with children under the age of eighteen. Firstly, they are to be accompanied at all times by a parent, a guardian, or a licensed chaperone (people who appropriately vetted and in a position of trust with children) These will include anyone whose roles involve caring, training, and supervising children. Parents are only allowed to chaperone for there own children. Secondly, children under the age of 18 face restrictions concerning the amount of hours they allowed to work. These depend on the age of the person and whether they are attending school. There are restrictions when it comes to working before 0700 or after 1900 and if working on Sundays.
