Who is liable/ responsible
If you read last weeks blog you know this, the answer is everyone. The default person for legal issues is the producer but when you’ve got a broken leg, even if you can blame someone else, your leg will still be broken.
It is a good idea to make someone specifically responsible for Health and Safety and make everyone aware of any risks, however small. This person could be in charge of keeping hold of emergency contact numbers, lists of equipment and checking risk precautions remain in place. Where relevant, you may want to familiarise yourself with the UK legislation on Health and Safety – Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This requires provision of a safe and healthy working environment.
The main concept to bear in mind is that ‘careful consideration’ of health and safety issues for all has to be taken and proven. It is important that all team members are made aware of their personal responsibilities as well as actions deemed to be the group’s responsibility. Just because filming isn't a regular activity you can't ignore the same safety principles you'd apply in the office.
(Me in full safety kit during filming. Credit; Mary Walker )
First Aid
It is always a good idea to have someone around who is capable or qualified to carry out first aid, or to be able to contact them at short notice if needed. A basic first-aid kit will be handy to have around containing plasters, bandages, scissors etc, in the case of minor accidents.
Fire
A crew is a mobile work force. Establish the fire exits and the meeting places in the event of an emergency. Make sure everyone knows what the plan is in case of an emergency and have a list of all those who may need to be accounted for (all cast, crew, volunteers) to make sure no-one goes missing.
Notifying the authorities
As mentioned previously if you are on the streets in large groups it’s best practice is to tell the local police what you are doing. You do not generally need permission when filming in public, but they may move you on for causing an obstruction if you don’t notify them. Be sure who’s land it is too, there is a rising trend in cities for areas of land to be owned not by the local authority but by property developers who can be very quick to stop even individuals filming and companies like ITV have been fined for not getting permission.
Basic Safety Tips
Carry out a risk assessment! Identify potential safety risks in advance so action can be taken before accidents happen!
Put someone in the group in charge or First Aid and Health and Safety.
Have emergency contact phone numbers to hand so they are easy to find.
Be careful with equipment: stands and bags can be tripped over.
Do aware of what's going on around you even when under pressure. Watch out for easy mistakes when you're looking through the viewfinder like traffic and tripping over.
Next week; Handy tips on jargon and formats
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