Whether they are produced by large production firms or smaller teams, film sets frequently have a lot of dangers that could potentially occur. Health and safety should be considered in the production process even before the cameras start shooting, regardless of the size of the team you have or the number of locations you’ll be in. To ensure a successful shot, the team needs to adhere to a few film production safety guidelines, from doing a risk assessment to managing weather conditions. Here is all the information you need to know about set safety.

Planning and Preparation

Put safety first when you start your production. You’ll have a good shoot if you start by putting health and safety first. Safety needs to be top-of-mind for everyone every day whether you’re a smaller crew or working on a large set with a safety manager on site.

Visit the sites you’ll be filming at before you even start the project. Conduct a tech scout, often referred to as a tech recce, to inspect your filming sites and gain an understanding of the shots and techniques you’ll require. The best time to introduce safety is now: look out for potential dangers in key locations, power sources, and emergency exits. You can make appropriate plans by doing a tech scout to help you understand the health and safety requirements for your shoot.

Conducting a Risk Assessment

Perform a risk assessment for each filming location as you conduct your tech scout. These evaluations take place in three steps:

Identifying potential hazards: you should start by identifying all potential dangers in each setting or area. Anything with the potential to do harm is referred to as a ‘hazard.‘ While some dangers are visible, others are not.

Evaluating risk: evaluate risk after identifying hazards. ‘Risk’ refers to the possibility that the hazard will actually cause that harm.

Determining safety measures: decide what safety precautions (or ‘safeguards’), if any, should be taken to reduce risk. Take note of and prepare for any equipment you might require to implement your safety precautions.

Producers with appropriate qualifications should undertake risk analysis. The film business also employs Safety Supervisors who have received specialised training to assist you with set safety. These supervisors offer pre-production professional advice to reduce risks. In either case, the evaluation must be included in a formal, legally binding document that is approved by every production team member. This demonstrates that you have taken steps to safeguard the security of your movie set.

Typical Safety Hazards On Set

Typical safety hazards on set include:

Tripping Hazards: unused equipment scattered about, wires that aren’t covered or taped down, and more.

Lifting Hazards: owing to injuries sustained from lifting large objects

Fall Hazards: caused by shooting a scene from high up or near the edge of something without proper fall protection.

Securing All Equipment

Electrical wires and large pieces of machinery are two of the biggest risks on movie sets. Long wires will be running everywhere, especially in indoor scenes. Use cable path tape, rubber matting, or cable crossovers, commonly known as ‘Yellowjackets,’ to affix your wires to the ground so that no one will trip over them. You may arrange cords with coloured tape so that everyone is aware of which wires connect to what equipment. Additionally, it will lessen the possibility of electrical mishaps. Remember to store cables away when not in use.

C-stands are yet another crucial piece of apparatus that might be dangerous. You should instruct everyone on your set who works with C-stands on how to set them up and take them down correctly. These supports support hundreds of kilos of equipment, hot, heavy lights, and backdrops. C-stand accidents have the potential to have a devastating impact on output. Everyone on your staff must understand that they are not permitted to conduct any duties for which they have not received appropriate authorisation and training.

Ongoing Protection From The Elements

Weather conditions are one of the most crucial factors for set safety. However, they are also one of the factors people often disregard. Make sure your actors and crew have the gear they need to be warm, dry, and hydrated. This is particularly pertinent if you’re filming outside.

People require headgear, many layers of clothes, and hand warmers during the cold. It may get very chilly very rapidly, even in moderate weather. People need protection from sunburn and heat exhaustion throughout the summer. Lots of water should always be available, and you should always have plenty of sunscreen bottles on hand.

Maintaining Company High Standards

You must inform your cast and crew about the criteria if you want to ensure that defined film production safety initiatives are successful. Each member of the cast and crew should be aware of your basic safety rules and schooled in any additional safety precautions they might need to take based on their function. Many construction businesses hold ‘toolbox discussions’ at the start of each workday to discuss the current project, potential dangers, and safety measures. Every day of filming may start with your own toolbox discussion.

Everyone must read and sign safety policies before filming can start at many production businesses, big and small. Some film teams include a safety element in their daily filming plans. Each team member has to be on the same page with regard to how you choose to conduct your safety briefings. Keep in mind to provide fundamental safety details like the placement of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency assembly places, and emergency exits.

Film Production Safety – The Takeaway

A good production requires a lot of time and resources. Don’t hinder your filming schedule by belatedly having to deal with health and safety concerns. It is beneficial to start thinking about safety on set as soon as the shoot begins. Likewise, to make sure that everyone on the team is aware of the hazards. Everyone should take safety extremely seriously.

Be mindful of possible risks, make sure everyone gets the safety information they require and look for original ways to solve issues. The actor’s and crew’s safety can always come first when shooting scenes. On film sets, safety comes first, just like it does in any other industry.

Have you enjoyed getting to grips with this essential film production safety advice? Why not check out one of our recent articles which explores how to behave on a film set!