Health and Safety Responsibilities

Health and safety in media production means protecting anybody who might be put in danger by the work. This covers the crew, on-screen talent, contributors, clients, visitors and bystanders. A hazard is something that could cause harm; the risk is the chance of that harm happening and how serious it could be. Safety is not something you switch on when filming starts: it must be considered in every phase of a project.

All phases

In pre-production, planning and location checks help you spot hazards before anyone travels or lifts equipment. During production, filming and recording must be organised so that people are not put at risk. In post-production, editing and other computer work bring their own risks, such as eye strain or poor posture from long editing sessions. The producer’s responsibility therefore runs through the whole project, not only while the camera is rolling.

Employer duties

Businesses and employers have a legal duty to look after their workers and anyone else who may be affected by their work, including clients, visitors and members of the public. They must also provide health and safety training for staff in the procedures relevant to their work, so people know what to do rather than guessing. For example, a runner joining a small video company should be shown how to report a hazard and what to do if an area becomes unsafe, not just handed a clipboard.

Reducing risk sensibly

The aim is to reduce risk as far as is reasonably practicable. This means doing what is sensible and proportionate, not trying to remove every possible danger. A control is a precaution that lowers the chance of harm or the seriousness of it. Media producers must identify risks and put controls or precautions in place to reduce or eliminate them. For example, before recording an interview in a community centre, a producer might notice a portable heater placed next to a curtain and move it away from the fabric. The risk is reduced without cancelling the recording.