Heath and safety is very important in a theatre due to the number of potential risks involved with production. Generally, as a crew member we are responsible for moving and setting up equipment. We need to ensure that when we are moving and setting up equipment, that we use correct technique and ask for assistance when needed. It is important to avoid injury, as this can cause issues during the production process. The equipment needs to be correctly setup and secure as to also avoid injury to audience, actors and other crew members. For example, the stage barriers need to be correctly attached and secure as to prevent someone falling of the stage. Cables can be a trip hazard and need to be secured to prevent risk of of falling or damage to equipment. Screens for example, could also fall and these would need to be secure. There are even dangerous crew roles such as a fly operator. They are responsible for handling the backdrops that are lowered onto the stage. They may also need to lower or raise other set pieces. This can be dangerous as if the equipment is faulty, a screen could fall and cause damage or injury.
A risk assessment was carried out for the production. The assessment was performed by the producer. As crew, we needed to ensure that we complied to the risk assessment and not do any activities that would be considered risky. If we found a potential issue, such as loose cables, barriers or unstable screen, we needed to report this and rectify the issue. The crew were updated with the latest health and safety protocols both generally and in theatre. It was important that all crew members were aware of potential hazards and made the Stage Manager aware of the issues.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/manual-handling/index.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/guidance/index.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/basics/index.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/law/index.htm?utm_source=hse.gov.uk&utm_medium=refferal&utm_campaign=law&utm_content=home-page-info
https://uktheatre.org/theatre-industry/guidance-reports-and-resources/wellbeing/
https://wellbeing-project.org/9-tested-tips-to-improve-your-wellbeing-and-quality-of-life-post/
Risk Matrix
Each activity comes with a risk of injury. Performing itself can be risky and a performer will push their bodies to the limits. However, in production, risks can be avoided. If there is a chance of a severe injury to a person such as crew, actor or audience, the risk needs to be analysed. If there is a risk of severe injury, health and safety is going to be taking into consideration to ensure the avoidance of injuries. This may includes checks to ensure equipment is functioning or setup correctly. Every detail will be analysed and changes made where required
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