On set, many things happen simultaneously. The actors and their stunt doubles have to get ready, and the production crew has to juggle a variety of tasks to make sure every take goes smoothly. As a result, reports of accidents shouldn’t come as a shock. Thankfully, many of them can be prevented. The following are some important health and safety guidelines that the manufacturing team should follow.
Plan Ahead
Any size production team can benefit from this advice. Scouting the area is a great method to get ready for something. Location scouting is the process of determining whether or not a potential filming location meets the production’s needs.
The gaffer and scrip supervisor will also check around the set to make sure everyone’s safety is assured; they’ll look for things like power outlets, bathrooms, and other amenities. For instance, are there restrooms available? Is it a difficult place to get out of, like an underground station, and if so, where are the exits?
The State of One’s Mind is Also Important
Mental stress, anxiety, and burnout are all real risks on busy production sets. Crew members can better cope with stress if they have access to tools like counselling services and mental health training. Promoting open communication about mental health and creating a welcoming atmosphere can also go a long way toward protecting the happiness of the team.
Conduct a Risk Analysis
A risk analysis is required to:
- Identify potential dangers or anything that could hurt someone. Lifting, stumbling, and falling are only some of the hazards that can arise while filming, and others include bad weather, fake firearms, and difficult locations.
- Analyse the risk or the potential for harm caused by the identified danger. Do you, for instance, have a weapons master on set if firearms are used? Does the production crew have earplugs and other hearing protection in case the shoot location is particularly loud? Is there any danger that the location of covid-19 will be compromised?
- Determine preventative measures. The last phase involves developing plans to counteract or eradicate the identified threats. Having an armourer present is crucial when working with fake firearms. This expert will shoot test firearms in advance. The prop guns will also be checked to make sure nothing is stuck in the barrel. When filming begins, this specialist makes sure everyone on set is safe. Medical care and personal protective equipment (PPE) like goggles, earplugs, pyrex, and gloves can also be made available.
Test and Secure All Production Equipment
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is a crucial safety procedure for filming but is not required by law in the United States. By testing for leaks and insulating resistance, PAT evaluates electrical appliances.
After finishing, have your crew also tighten any loose connections or other parts of the setup. Slips and falls are more likely when working with bulky equipment and long cords. To hold power cords in place, use specialised tape or cable crossovers. You might use different coloured cords so that nothing gets mixed up.
Only allow properly trained crew members to operate any machinery. C-stands, for example, are used to support bulky equipment like backdrops and lighting and can cause serious injury if they topple over.
Secure Transportation of Crew and Equipment
Be mindful of hauling heavy, expensive, or delicate equipment, especially while filming on location. Avoid costly accidents by making sure all vehicles are well-maintained and drivers have received adequate training. As a corollary, think about the crew’s security on their way to and from work, especially if they have to stay late. Providing safe transportation or organising shared transportation helps ease their anxieties about their safety, especially at the end of a hard day.
Guard the Team Against the Weather
Even though weather variations are one of the most regular risks, production businesses often ignore them. To begin, it would be beneficial to include the cost of filming in adverse weather conditions. Here are some questions to ponder:
- Where can I find a place to cool off?
- Is there a doctor or nurse available?
- Do we have any additional safety gear, including tarps, sunscreen, water, and suitable clothing?
- Do we have a plan and a service to deal with the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes and fires?
Preparing your production gear for severe weather is also important for the safety of your film team. Plastic might be used to cover equipment racks, electrical wires could be grounded, and lights could be shielded with rain caps.
Think About the Crew’s Psychological and Physiological Well-being
Fatigue, stress, and other health issues are common results of the physical demands of long shooting schedules. It’s vital to have a medical crew on set in case of any unexpected health issues. Maintaining the physical health of the crew requires ensuring they are not overworked and encouraging them to take breaks at regular intervals. Having nutritious food and snacks available on site is another approach to keep the workers energised all day long.
Over Communicate
The greatest method to make sure your production team is safe is to talk to them about it. Each team member needs to have access to the guidebook and, more crucially, the knowledge to follow the rules. Plan daily safety briefings and provide crew members with opportunities to update their knowledge. Finally, make sure everyone knows where the exits, medical supplies, and fire hydrants are kept.
The Ecological Impacts of Your Production Process
Any group involved in the production should make eco-friendliness a top priority. Reducing waste, employing renewable energy, and being mindful of the effects on local ecosystems are all ways to achieve this goal when filming on location. Taking environmentally responsible measures not only aids in environmental protection but also demonstrates social responsibility, which can enhance the production company’s reputation.
As an ethical obligation, production companies must ensure the well-being of their employees at all times. Every precaution your team takes, such as contracting a disaster response service or stocking up on personal protective equipment, is important.