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.
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 an Actsafe Production Package, please contact Actsafe at 604 733-4682 or by email at .
Young and New Workers Orientation for the Performing Arts
"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
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Motion Picture Safety Primers
A series of three Motion Picture Safety Primers. The complete series includes:
"Painting in the arts industry is dynamic; painters often work with varnishes, paint spraying and other similar jobs that put them at risk equal to or greater than painters in other professions." Source: Actsafe
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Pain is Optional: MSI Comic Series
A comic book series developed for workers on how to recognize the symptoms of, and prevent, musculoskeletal injuries. Source: Actsafe
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Properly Inserting Foam Earplugs
Earplugs don't work unless they're properly inserted into the ear canal. This step-by-step guide walks you through how to properly put in foam earplugs. Source: Actsafe
* PDF (298 KB)
Actsafe Safety Bulletins
A variety of safety guidelines for motion picture and television production in British Columbia. Source: Actsafe
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Actsafe Forms
Use these forms to help you plan and record your workplace safety training, preparation and concerns. Source: Actsafe
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Free Hearing Testing
Actsafe provides free hearing testing for motion picture and performing arts workers. Source: Actsafe
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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
* PDF (706 KB)
Updated: November 2011
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
* A free ebook version for iPad is available on iTunes
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
* PDF (545 KB)
Updated: September 2005
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
Lockout BK21
This booklet defines lockout, explains lockout policy and procedures, and provides guidance on compliance with Regulation requirements. Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (2.4 MB) (Updated: September 2005)
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
* A free ebook version for iPad is available on iTunes
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
* PDF (2 MB) (Updated: February 2007)
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
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
* PDF (928 KB)
Updated: November 2005
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
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
* 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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Preventing Slips and Trips at Work
"Recognising the importance of slips and trips, the Health and Safety Executive and
local authorities have included this topic in their programmes of work designed to
achieve national targets set to improve health and safety performance." 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
* PDF (552 KB)
* Print copies are available for purchase from the WorkSafeBC Store
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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