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Injury Prevention Resources for Performing Arts & Film - Film


Film | Theatre | Music | Dance | General

The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent the most common injuries and illnesses in the performing arts and film industry. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.

Focus on Safety - Safe Work Practices for Film and Television Production in B.C. BK11

This manual provides basic information about how to work safely and prevent common injuries and diseases in the film and television production industry.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (1 MB)
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution or from Actsafe.

Actsafe Production Packages

Distributed to all new film productions and contains two parts: one for the production and one for the construction. Each department receives documents for startup requirements, forms/checklists, bulletins (work procedures), joint health safety, training, and posters. Also included are relevant safety alerts or safety recalls.

The production package also includes a letter to the Production Manager informing them of the services that Actsafe provides.

To receive a Actsafe Production Package, please contact Marty Clausen, Health & Safety Consultant (Film & TV) at 604.765.0791 or by email at .

Industry Recommended Practice: Aerial Platform and Lift Truck Operator Training in Motion Picture, Video and Television Industries

This document is intended to provide employers and workers with a standard for training and appropriate periods for certification and re-certification. Aerial and Lift Truck Training and Certification in B.C.'s Motion Picture, Video and Television industries is required to meet or exceed this standard.

An Industry Recommended Practice (IRP) is a set of best practices and guidelines compiled by knowledgeable and experienced industry and government personnel intended to provide the operator or user with advice regarding the topic considered. IRPs are NOT a regulation. In the case of an inconsistency or conflict with any applicable legislative requirement, the legislative requirement prevails.
Source: Actsafe (formerly SHAPE, Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment)
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Orientation for Young and New Workers from Actsafe

"Due to the high degree of mobility of the workforce in the motion picture industry, implementation of this regulation may seem challenging. Actsafe has developed the following information to assist our industries in conducting New and Young Worker Orientations."
Source: Actsafe (formerly SHAPE, Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment)
* PDF (141 KB)

Performing Arts Safety (PAS) Program

The PAS program is a free service which provides the tools, information and resources to put a personalized health and safety program into place for your Performing Arts organization.

For information on the PAS Program, please contact Actsafe. Phone: 604.733.4682 Email: .

Actsafe Library

Actsafe has a lending library; as well as many documents available for download or viewing online.
Source: Actsafe (formerly SHAPE, Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment)
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Actsafe Safety Bulletins

A variety of safety guidelines for Motion Picture/Video Production in British Columbia.
Source: Actsafe (formerly SHAPE, Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment)
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Actsafe Forms

A variety of health and safety resources in easy-to-use form format.
Source: Actsafe (formerly SHAPE, Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment)
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Atmospheric Effects in the Entertainment Industry: Constituents, Exposures and Health Effects

A study on the safety of theatrical smoke and fog.
Source: University of British Columbia, School of Occupational & Environmental Hygiene
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Website of The Explosives Safety and Security Branch of Natural Resources Canada

This federal government division is responsible for the administration of the Canada Explosives Act - an act whose aim is to ensure the safety of Canadians in all matters related to explosives and pyrotechnics. Their web site includes information on obtaining publications, including the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Manual.
Source: Explosives Safety and Security Branch
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Back Talk: An Owner's Manual for Backs BK4

An illustrated handbook that explains how the back works, provides tips for avoiding injury, and shows how to care for the back during recovery. The booklet also covers situations that can cause excessive loads and describes ways to reduce the risk of injury.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (706 KB)
Updated: November 2011
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment BK60

This booklet outlines the safe use and limitations of personal fall protection equipment, including safety belts, harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (545 KB)
Updated: September 2005

Also available in the following languages:

* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

Lockout BK21

This booklet defines lockout, explains lockout policy and procedures, and provides guidance on compliance with Regulation requirements.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (2.4 MB) (Updated: September 2005)

Also available in the following languages:

* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

Preventing Heat Stress at Work BK30

This booklet provides a basic overview of job-related heat stress, how to recognize and treat heat stress, and how to prevent heat stress. Workers exposed to hot environments must be trained to prevent heat stress and recognize the early symptoms in themselves and co-workers. The newly revised publication Heat Stress contains essential information on how to recognize, treat, and prevent heat stress.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (2 MB) (Updated: February 2007)

Also available in the following languages:

* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

WHMIS at Work BK40

This booklet describes the three main elements of WHMIS (WHMIS labels, MSDSs, and WHMIS education and training programs) and outlines the responsibilities of suppliers, employers, and workers for these elements.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (928 KB)
Updated: November 2005
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

Hypothermia: Surviving the Cold PH17

"This document gives you a basic understanding of when and why hypothermia occurs. It tells you how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of harmful exposure to cold. It also tells you how to recognize the onset of hypothermia and how to treat victims of hypothermia."
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (649 KB)

Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls

OSH Answers document describes how falls happen and how to avoid falls due to slips and trips.
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
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Background and extensive guidelines on preventing injuries from slips, trips, and falls

This booklet provides background and extensive guidelines on preventing injuries from slips, trips, and falls.
Source: HSE, UK (Health and Safety Executive)
* PDF (631 KB)

Dealing with "Latex Allergies" at Work BK2

This booklet explains the health problems that may be caused by using rubber products; the natural rubber latex protein allergy, which may cause severe health problems; and sources of information on "latex allergies".
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (552 KB)
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.
Updated: December 2005

Preventing Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex in the Workplace

"Describes six case reports of workers who developed latex allergy. The document also presents NIOSH recommendations for minimizing latex-related health problems in workers while protecting them from infectious materials."
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
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