Health and safety departments on set are often seen as the nay-sayers, party-poopers, and tattle-tales. We tell production, crew, and audience members what they can and can’t do, and to ensure that everyone follows the established safety protocols. This can often lead to confrontational relationships and a feeling of being ignored or undervalued. But it doesn’t have to be this way. By prioritizing the experience, being kind, speaking up, and educating and informing others, you can help create a safer and more cooperative environment on set.
- Prioritize the Experience:
We work in entertainment because we love it, not just to collect a paycheck. The goal is to create a super awesome show, but it must also be done safely. By prioritizing the experience, you help to create an environment where everyone feels valued and invested in making the production a success. - Be Kind:
Check in with people and let them know that you care about their well-being. Ask how you can support them, and acknowledge the hard work they are doing in challenging conditions. People respond well to kindness, and it can go a long way in creating a positive work environment. Additionally, finding out where people need support is under the scope of health and safety – are they overworked or overtired? Do they need to pause and drink water? - Speak Up:
Don’t be afraid to speak up when it comes to unsafe situations. Your role is to ensure the safety of everyone on set, and being kind does not mean you have to be a pushover. Be loud and clear, and offer solutions to address unsafe situations. - Educate and Inform:
Safety is often seen in hindsight, but your role is to anticipate and mitigate dangers as much as possible. Educate and inform others about the importance of safety protocols and help them understand why you are making the decisions you are making. This can help to build trust and cooperation, and create a safer environment for everyone on set.
Health and safety may not be the most popular role on set, but it is a crucial one. By adopting the right approach, you can help create a safer work environment for everyone involved. By prioritizing the experience, being kind, speaking up, and educating and informing others, you can establish yourself as a trusted and valuable member of the production team. Remember, your goal is to ensure that everyone goes home safe and sound after an unforgettable experience. By being an effective health and safety professional, you can help make that happen.