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Injury Prevention Resources for Performing Arts & Film - Theatre


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.

Orientation for Young and New Workers from SHAPE

"Our industries have a highly mobile workforce. SHAPE will be working to provide generic orientation to groups of new and young workers. Workers who have taken SHAPE's Safety Awareness training or who can display a SHAPE Your Rights wallet card will have received orientation on Employers and Workers rights and responsibilities and the Right to Refuse unsafe work. However, site specific orientation will still be required. Please see the attached checklist for clarification."
Source: SHAPE, Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment
* PDF (173 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 Brent Rossington, Health & Safety Consultant (Performing Arts). Phone: 604.733.4682 x: 223. email: .

SHAPE Library

SHAPE has a lending library; as well as many documents available for download or viewing online.
Source: SHAPE, Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment
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Working at Heights in the Live Production Industry in B.C.

This new manual will help those that work in the performing arts understand the WorkSafeBC requirements and industry safe work practices for working at heights.
Source: SHAPE, Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment
* PDF (1 MB)

Health and Safety Guide for Live Performance (Theatre)

"Nowadays, most people in BC's entertainment industry are very aware that their workplaces are subject to Workers Compensation Board regulations, but far fewer people know exactly what the regulations are or how to go about complying with them. Particularly in the world of small production companies and short-term events, some of the rules can appear inappropriate and compliance with them seem a major burden."
Source: SHAPE (Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment)
* PDF (21 KB)

Safety Guidelines for the Live Performance Industry in Ontario

The guidelines in this booklet recommend realistic procedures to protect those working in live performance. They are not laws or regulations, nor do they replace any existing laws or regulations. They are safeguards, to advise and educate both workers and management. Education is the foundation of any health and safety program, with knowledgeable performers, support staff and management working together.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Labour
* PDF 563 KB

The Health & Safety Guide for Film, TV & Theater

"Definitely a necessity for anyone involved in professional or amateur entertainment, this handbook is the only resource to offer all vital information about health and safety issues affecting the performing arts. Covered are topics relevant to every type of performance venue: stage, film, television, theme parks, circuses, parades, fireworks displays, and beyond."
Source: Allworth Press
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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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Publications from The Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada

This web site includes information on obtaining publications, including the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Pyrotechnics Manual.
Source: Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada
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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 (621 KB)
Updated: April 2007
* 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 contains general information about WHMIS---the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. It 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. It also offers useful information about the kinds of hazards and chemical characteristics of products covered by WHMIS, and two checklists, one on implementing a WHMIS program and the other on WHMIS education and training for workers.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (928 KB)
Updated: November 2005
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.

Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls

An 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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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," including those available through the Internet.
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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