Health and Safety Course Overview

Welcome to the course. We will be covering the following eight key topics:

• The Law and Understanding the Chain of Responsibility
• Risk Assessment and Management
• Working Hours and Welfare
• Communication, Competence, Due Diligence
• Speaking Up When Things Go Wrong
• Health and Safety Abroad
• Mental Health (including stress, bullying, harassment, and discrimination)

Legal Responsibilities and Safety on Set

Regarding safety at work and legal obligations, it is imperative that no individual is injured due to ineffective risk management. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a moral and legal responsibility on everyone to manage safety, protect yourself and others, prevent loss of life or limb, safeguard property, and respect equipment. This Act also imposes a duty of care on employers, including production companies, studios, and broadcasters.

Irresponsible behaviour from either employers or employees can lead to improvement and prohibition notices, potentially halting production until safety improvements are made. Such costs are not insurable. Legal repercussions may include fines and, in severe cases, prison sentences. We all have moral, legal, and economic reasons to manage risks and work safely.

Chain of Command and Responsibility

Film and TV crews are organised into departments to ensure clear responsibility and communication. The Producer is responsible for everyone on the production and represents the broadcaster, financier, or studio. In the Producer's absence, the First Assistant Director (1st AD) or Floor Manager is the key point of contact. The 1st AD oversees all departments and relies on Heads of Department (HODs) to address safety concerns. Occasionally, control may be delegated to a HOD, such as during a stunt when a Stunt Coordinator takes charge, even over the director's authority.

Departments include:

• Director of Photography – Head of the camera department
• First Assistant Director (1st AD) – Head of the AD department
• Gaffer – Head of the electrical department

Safety concerns should be reported to the relevant HOD, 1st AD, or Producer. HODs are responsible for sharing information that affects other departments. Rules for using, touching, and moving equipment are clearly defined; only authorised personnel should handle equipment.

Reporting and Conduct

You are obligated to highlight any safety concerns to senior colleagues, other crew members, or the public if on location. Equipment and materials must be used according to your training and the supplier's or manufacturer's instructions.

Your job description, outlined in your contract, should detail your responsibilities. Additionally, the Production Health and Safety Policy provides guidance on roles and responsibilities and should be accessible to you. This policy also designates the Health & Safety point of contact and outlines procedures for reporting health and safety matters.

Be aware of the workplace arrangements for handling risks that you cannot address yourself and report any hazards to those responsible for health and safety. Lastly, your personal conduct should not endanger yourself or others. Maintain a professional attitude, adhere to safety precautions, and report any health and safety concerns to those responsible.