Health and safety on set

Responsibilities 

Under most health and safety legislation (check the specifics of your country though), the ultimate responsibility for health and safety rests with the production company and those in control of relevant premises (studios & locations) and facilities (equipment, vehicles etc.).

It is initially up to the production company to establish appropriate procedures to control risk and place H&S alongside editorial and/or dramatic considerations. There should also be good planning, communication, co-operation and co-ordination by and between all parties involved in a production. Especially communication.

Reasonably Practicable:
This means that you should:

• determine what kinds of risks are caused by your work,
• consider how likely those risks are,
• take appropriate action that is proportionate to the injury or illness that could occur,
• implement well-known and effective industry practices,
• involve your staff in identifying and controlling risks.

You don’t need to:

• do everything humanly possible to prevent accidents,
• buy the most expensive equipment on the market,
• spend the bulk of your week on H&S training, compliance and documentation.

Risk assessment
The way to stay safe is to look at each shooting set up or location individually and think of what exactly could go wrong. 

It's a three step process

• Identify all the hazards
• Evaluate the risks
• Identify measures to control the risks

Then put in place safeguards to eliminate or minimise risk. You should make a record of any risk assessment to ensure everyone are clear on how to stay safe. This can save time during your shoot.

'Hazard' refers to the potential for harm. while 'Risk' is the chance of that harm actually happening. Though some hazards might seem very obvious, people might still need to have them pointed out.

Weather
Extremes of weather are one commonly overlooked hazard. If you are filming outside all day, it is essential to make sure the crew are dressed appropriately. A lot of the time you may be standing around and people will get cold very quickly even in what seems quite mild weather. Layers of clothes are best, and get everyone to bring a waterproof and a woolly hat - they keep out wind as well as rain and are invaluable.

Sunburn and heatstroke are other outdoor hazards. Always have high protection sunscreen on hand. Try to wear some kind of sun hat or stay in the shade when possible and make sure lots of water is available to drink. The other reason for sunscreen is to stop the actors' appearance changing drastically and messing up the continuity of the film!


Time pressure
Rushing to finish in time is when hazards get missed, or people start taking risks. If this starts to happen, take a moment to calm everyone down and remind them: this is only a film. If you feel really pressured try to think of how to lighten the work-load: can you cut out some shots or set ups to give you the time to get the most essential stuff for the film without a panic? Or can you come back tomorrow to finish?

Tripping hazards
Move or gaffa tape down cables and objects that could be tripped over.

Lifting hazards
Go carefully when moving or lifting heavy or dangerous things, ask someone to help you.

Camera risks
When a camera operator or cast member is walking during a shot, make sure they are comfortable with their route and there is nothing that could cause problems (a camera operator who needs to walk backwards for a shot should have an assistant to guide them and/or check their route).

Bibliography

https://movingimageeducation.org/create-films/production/the-production-department/health-and-safety

https://www.filmsourcing.com/filmmaking-health-safety-keeping-your-cast-and-crew-safe/