Health and Safety
Professional film crews take health and safety issues very seriously. The line of responsibility runs from the Producer to the Production Manager and 1st Assistant Director and finally on to all crew members who have a duty of care which is recognised by law. If someone can see the potential for an accident and does nothing to try to prevent it, they can be held responsible in some way, probably along with their senior colleagues.
When filming, people have many things on their minds, things can get rushed, and risks can increase. Even simple things can become dangerous because this is not an ordinary situation. Of course, all of life presents hazards, but if someone is asked to run down a hill repeatedly to get the scene right, for example, the risk of them tripping and falling on their face is increased with each time they do this. If the hill is pavement rather than grass the risk of serious injury is increased.
It's a three step process
'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.
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 and make the students put it on. Try to get students 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!
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?
Shots from high up or near the edge of something.
Shots that look illegal
Shots might look illegal if you didn't know a camera was there. This could cause distress to members of the public &/or cause a police call out.
Bibliography -
When filming, people have many things on their minds, things can get rushed, and risks can increase. Even simple things can become dangerous because this is not an ordinary situation. Of course, all of life presents hazards, but if someone is asked to run down a hill repeatedly to get the scene right, for example, the risk of them tripping and falling on their face is increased with each time they do this. If the hill is pavement rather than grass the risk of serious injury is increased.
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. This is called a risk assessment.It's a three step process
- Identify all the hazards
- Evaluate the risks
- Identify measures to control the risks
'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.
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?Other common hazards
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).
Water
Water
Shots that involve water.
Precarious
Shots from high up or near the edge of something.
Shots that look illegal
Bibliography -
Moving image education, Health and Safety. Available at: https://movingimageeducation.org/create-films/production/the-production-department/health-and-safety (accessed 31st October 2019)
Images -
Images -
Safety first - available at: https://www.direct365.co.uk/blog/health-and-safety-signs/ (accessed 31st October 2019)
Time - Available at: https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/books/how-the-world-became-obsessed-with-time-and-efficiency (accessed 31st October 2019)
Weather - available at: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/long-range-weather-forecast-uk (accessed 31st October 2019)
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