Blogs

September 18, 2024

Safety at the Roadside

Sukriti Sobti Blogs heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat-related illness, hot summers, hot weather, prevention tips, shade, symptoms, tips for keeping safe in sun, tips to be safe

What Workers Need to Know

This article deals with traffic and vehicle hazards in roadside work zones. You will also need to consider hazards associated with your specific work activities.

Understand the hazards

Working close to traffic is dangerous. Each roadside work site has its own unique set of hazards. Make sure your employer or supervisor has informed you of the hazards at your worksite before beginning work.

Be aware that the types of hazards can change over the course of your work shift. Traffic volumes can increase, for example, or changing light levels can reduce drivers’ visibility.

Potential hazards around the worksite

Take note of any work vehicles or mobile equipment you need to be aware of.
Consider if work vehicles will be entering or exiting the worksite over the course of the day.
Store your equipment and supplies in an area where they won’t get hit and you
can safely access them.

Potential hazards on the road

Be aware if you are working near an intersection with traffic coming from multiple directions.
Measure how much space you have between your worksite and the roadway.
Be aware of your location vis-à-vis traffic, cyclists and pedestrians as you work.
Be aware of the visibility of approaching drivers. Check to see if there are any
curves, crests of hills, trees and bushes, or parked vehicles.
Take note of any overhead cables, railway crossings or rights-of-way.
Be aware of other roadside work or traffic control going on nearby.

Image courtesy: Road Safety at Work

Potential traffic hazards

Be aware of the type of traffic that is passing by — passenger vehicles, buses, large trucks.
Large vehicles such as commercial trucks are often wider than normal vehicles and may have protruding side mirrors.
Be aware of vehicles travelling faster than the speed limit.
Identify any cycle lanes. What is the volume of cyclists?

Image courtesy: Road Safety at Work

Look at the local area

Be aware of delivery vehicles, buses or other vehicles that may periodically block
signage or reduce road width.
Identify any traffic entering or exiting nearby commercial premises that could block signage or obstruct visibility of you or your co-workers.
Consider any police, ambulance or fire stations you should be aware of.

Look at pedestrians

Be aware of any pedestrian traffic near your worksite. Is there a clear path for pedestrians to travel safely, including those with mobility issues, such as the
elderly or disabled?
Be aware of any children in the vicinity. Identify nearby schools, parks, playgrounds, etc.

Look at the environment

Consider if the weather may impact visibility of drivers (e.g., fog, heavy rain).
Be aware of the road conditions. Are they slick or slippery?
Be aware of any light conditions or location of the sun that may affect drivers’ visibility.

Look at what might change

Consider how the above hazards may change over the course of your work. For example:

Rush-hour traffic flows
School-run traffic and parking
Special events
Weather, amount of daylight, and road surface conditions

This article is courtesy of Road Safety at Work.

September 17, 2024

6 Ways to Make Winter Driving Safer

Sukriti Sobti Blogs heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat-related illness, hot summers, hot weather, prevention tips, shade, symptoms, tips for keeping safe in sun, tips to be safe

Winter weather is Mother Nature’s road test for drivers. Wet, cold, dark, and slippery conditions make this the most dangerous time of the year to drive.

Preparing now can help you prevent crashes and injuries. Your safety, and the safety of all of your passengers or your employees, depends on it.

ShiftIntoWinter.ca encourages you to reduce your risk behind the wheel by following these basic safety steps:

Use dedicated winter tires
Even if your region of BC doesn’t see much snow, winter tires give you better traction when temperatures drop. They’re also required on many BC highways as of October 1. Legal winter tires carry the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake, or M+S, symbols.

Know before you go
Don’t put yourself and your passengers at risk when road and weather conditions are poor. Postpone driving if you can. If you have to travel, first check DriveBC to find the safest route. Travel during daylight if possible and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

Slow down and leave extra space
Driving too fast for the conditions is a leading cause of crashes. So slow down and avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Maintain at least 4 seconds of distance between you and the vehicle ahead.

Be prepared for an emergency
Make sure your phone is charged before leaving, in case you get stuck somewhere. Wear comfortable clothing when driving. Bring winter boots, coat, gloves, and a hat with you in case you need to get out of your vehicle.

Clear snow, ice from your vehicle
Visibility matters. Before driving, brush snow from windows, lights, mirrors, the hood, and the roof. Scrape icy windows and wait for them to defrost completely. Make sure windshield wipers are in good condition. Always turn your headlights on in dim light.

Refresh your winter driving skills
No matter how much driving experience you or your employees have, it’s been months since you or they drove in winter-like conditions.
Review some tips for safe winter driving. Avoid sudden starts and stops. If you start to skid, ease off the brake or accelerator and look
and steer in the direction you want to go.

For more information on how to prepare your vehicle, visit ShiftIntoWinter.ca.

This article is courtesy of Road Safety at Work.

August 22, 2024

Common Ground: Live Events, A Complex Dynamic Environment

Sukriti Sobti Blogs heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat-related illness, hot summers, hot weather, prevention tips, shade, symptoms, tips for keeping safe in sun, tips to be safe

Live Events, Construction and the Importance of Occupational Health and Safety in a Multi-Employer Worksite

Some may believe that load-in and tear-down are distinctly different for live events and construction sites, when in reality they have very similar challenges and solutions when it comes to compliance with the Workers’ Compensation Act (WCA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR). There are similarities and differences between live events and construction sites, where each sector could likely learn from the other.

The similarities are clear:

Both deal with a worksite and crew that is temporary.
Both heavily rely on third parties, contractors, and possibly sub-contractors to execute projects.
Both face challenges with establishing and operating a joint health and safety committee due to the temporary nature and use of third parties.
Both can be indoors and outdoors and have increased risks from severe weather hazards.
Both require site-specific orientations, secured perimeters and robust emergency plans.
Both require lead organizer(s), who generally would be deemed “prime contractors” by WorkSafeBC. A prime contractor is usually the individual(s) or organization(s) undertaking a project. The prime contractor is responsible for ensuring overall site safety of a multi-employer workplace, which includes (but is not limited to) coordinating activities along with providing first aid and emergency
response protocols.
Both are fast-paced environments dealing with higher-risk work activities such as mobile equipment and machinery, scaffolding and temporary work platforms, fall protection and rigging, chemicals and compressed gases, electrical hazards and other physical
agents such as noise and vibration.

There is no denying that live events and construction worksites are active, complex and dynamic environments. This is why proactive hazard identification and mitigation must be employed in the planning stage, along with robust risk management strategies that are regularly reviewed. Employers (and prime contractors) must build robust safety programs, taking a multi-layered approach to controls so that if one control fails another one is there to protect workers at the worksite. These control methods include, but are not limited to:

Contractor pre-qualification and management
This helps ensure that contractors and subcontractors have:

Protect yourself in sun. Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants and apply sunscreen on any exposed skin.

The required skills, experience, training and certification

An occupational health and safety program for their organization

The required minimum insurance

Adequate supervision on site

Safety rules and expectations through documentation and orientation, shared in advance

Communication between the prime contractor and other contractors on site

A written agreement that clearly defines and outlines responsibilities for health and safety

Contractor management for a multiemployer workplace does not end there. It requires the oversight of the key elements of an occupational health and safety program including, but not limited to:

Written programs, policies and requirements: when things are written down, they can be referenced, followed and fairly enforced. Alternatively, employers (and prime contractors) can use technology to train, document, report and share information with all workers, contractors, subcontractors and employers on site while complying with privacy and confidentiality laws.
Training and orientations: if we don’t train and orientate our workers, how can we expect them to know how to do their job well and how to do it safely? This is increasingly more important with new and young workers in the industry and the added challenges of “gap years” caused by the pandemic. Two measures to consider are:
- Confirm that workers performing high-risk activities (i.e., rigging, fall protection, mobile equipment and working with chemicals or electricity) have up-to-date specialized training and certificates as applicable.
- Use site orientations and daily pre-shift briefings to communicate safety expectations and requirements. This allows for safety to be discussed regularly before each shift and helps to raise awareness of the reasonably foreseeable hazards.
Inspections: when you formalize inspections you reduce risk by dedicating people and time to identify hazards with fresh eyes that
at other times may be only focused on their specific task at hand. This also helps to facilitate a worker’s right to participate in
health and safety at the workplace along with demonstrating due diligence and proactively managing safety.
First aid: by performing first aid assessments, you can ensure worksites have adequate first aid equipment, supplies, attendants and transportation during non-event times. First aid assessments for a workplace are a legislative requirement and help to systematically ensure all workers, including travelling crews, security and other workers, have been accounted for on multi-employer worksites. Actsafe provides a valuable tool specific to the industry to perform quick and online first aid assessments. When it comes to event times with guests, more considerations should be made to ensure first aid and medical levels and capacities are adequate. Event
organizers should consult with legal, perform risk assessments, review event safety guidance and work with an event medical provider along with city officials and emergency responders to ensure first aid is adequate for the event and to discuss when guests/patrons will enter the venue.
Risk assessments: job hazard analysis and job safety planning provide an opportunity to identify the daily job information including tasks, equipment and location to help identify hazards and determine the controls (and ensure they are adequate). As the project progresses, risk assessments must be updated accordingly as risks change and new risks are identified.
Incident reporting and effective investigations: when you report hazards, near misses or minor injuries, you can correct the hazard and contributing factors before the incident becomes a serious injury or a fatality. Processes for reporting and investigating must be established and communicated on-site to workers.
Joint health and safety committees: recognizing that joint committees can pose a challenge for temporary worksites such as festivals and outdoor events, this may be one of the biggest returns on investment. Regular meetings can help to improve a safety culture mindset by ensuring corrective actions are completed promptly and employees/contractors are accountable for improving health and safety.
Emergency response plans: this includes planning, training, tabletop exercises and drills, especially with ongoing threats of severe weather. Emergency planning includes ensuring workers are familiar with emergency notification alerts, shelter-in-place protocols and muster locations in the event of an emergency.

Multi-Employer Workplace H&S Due Diligence Checklist

Navigating health and safety responsibilities in Performing Arts & Live Events can be challenging. That’s why it’s crucial to clearly define roles in contracts and service agreements. Our comprehensive checklist will help you identify the prime contractor and ensure compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Keep your workplace safe and responsibilities clear.

Download Checklist

It is important to have a designated safety position on site, similar to the construction safety officers on construction sites who help execute and monitor these health and safety activities. In addition to a designated role for safety, it’s important to have project safety boards and required safety postings for the worksite, along with securing the perimeter, delineating hazardous work, and communicating personal protective equipment requirements.

There are unique factors and specific challenges to the live events industry which support the ongoing need to safely and effectively coordinate a multi-employer workplace, comply with WCA and OHSR and ensure due diligence of employers and prime contractors. A helpful resource is Actsafe’s Multi-Employer Due Diligence Checklist. The purpose of the checklist is to aid event organizers, promoters,
venues and employers in coordinating activities to reduce risk through key elements of contractor pre-qualification and management, along with the main pillars of an occupational health and safety program. This checklist also speaks to the importance of designating a prime contractor and ensuring written agreements identify responsibilities for health and safety. It is recommended to consult legal advice to determine your responsibilities for health and safety as a venue, promoter and/or event organizer.

Prime contractors, employers, venues and promoters all play a critical role in ensuring a safe workplace for all workers of a multiemployer worksite.

All of these items are mandatory requirements (i.e., the law). However, we need to remember that the reason they are the law is because they work. They work to make our workplaces and events safer; they work to save lives and prevent accidents by keeping workers safe; and most importantly they work to make sure workers go home to their families at the end of their shift.

July 10, 2024

Heat Cramps. Heat Exhaustion. Heat Stroke.

Sukriti Sobti Blogs heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat-related illness, hot summers, hot weather, prevention tips, shade, symptoms, tips for keeping safe in sun, tips to be safe

Preparing Workers and Employers for the Summer Heat

Heat stress

Our bodies naturally maintain a temperature between 36°C and 38°C. Sweating cools our bodies down, but if you work in a hot environment this might not be enough. If your body heats up faster than it can cool itself, you experience heat stress. This can lead to serious heat disorders and potential injury. It is important to note that heat affects different workers in different ways depending on the type of work they are conducting and their general health. Additional consideration should be given to specific situations such as performers exerting themselves in direct sunlight, workers wearing additional PPE for their position or performers wearing costumes that may not be seasonal.

How workers are exposed

There are three main causes of heat stress.

The environment
• Radiant heat from direct or indirect sunlight (reflection from pavement or kilns)
• Air temperature hotter than skin temperature (warms a worker up)
• High humidity (makes it harder for a worker to cool down)

The work
• The more active you are, the more heat you will produce.

The worker
• Conditioning (regular work in hot environments makes workers less prone to heat stress)
• Poor health, including obesity, advanced age, and medical conditions (the body responds poorly to overheating)
• Not staying hydrated
• Excess clothing or inappropriate personal protective equipment (they trap heat and prevent cooling) cardiac arrest

Potential risks related to heat exposure

As a worker’s body heats up, it loses fluids and salt through sweat. As workers dehydrate, they are less able to cool themselves down. Workers in a hot environment should be aware of these warning signs of heat stress:
• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness
• Nausea

If heat stress is not recognized and treated early, it can lead to heat disorders, which have serious effects on the body.

These include the following.

Heat cramps
• Painful muscle cramps
• Can lead to heat exhaustion if left untreated

Heat exhaustion
• Shallow breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Sweating
• Weakness, fatigue, dizziness
• Headache and nausea
• Fainting
• Muscle cramps
• Can lead to heat stroke if left untreated

Heat stroke

• Hot, dry, flushed skin
• No longer sweating
• Agitation and confusion
• Decreased level of consciousness and awareness
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Increase in breathing rate
• Irregular pulse
• Shock
• Cardiac arrest

Exposure Control Plan Heat Template

In the world of motion pictures and performing arts, heat stress is a serious concern. Stay safe and productive with Actsafe’s Heat ECP template, designed in collaboration with WorkSafeBC and industry experts. Whether you’re on stage or behind the scenes, our comprehensive plan helps you assess, develop, and implement crucial heat exposure controls. Protect your team and ensure a cool, confident production.

Download Template Now

HOW TO PROTECT WORKERS

Employers are required to develop an exposure control plan (ECP) and control measures to help protect against heat-related illness.

Production and supervisors share responsibility for ensuring that control measures, including the following, are implemented and that workers follow them:

Workers know the risks and how to manage their heat exposure within permissible limits.
Workers know to inform their supervisor or employer if they feel ill.
Heat-related illness warning signs are posted and easily accessible by workers.
Sunscreen is available to workers, as required.
An easily accessible supply of cool, potable water is maintained.
The environment and workers are being monitored regularly throughout the day.
Workers are provided with and take appropriate rest breaks.
Workers have areas where they can get away from the heat.

Here are some basic guidelines that workers can use to prevent heat-related illness:

Stay hydrated by drinking water or electrolyte-replacement drinks and avoid high-sugar and caffeinated beverages.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to rehydrate.
Eat light meals.
Wear sun-protective clothing, such as UV sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made
of fibres that increase airflow.
Put on sunscreen and reapply as necessary.
Make use of shaded areas, cooling tents, and air conditioning in vehicles, trailers, holding areas, and indoor workspaces.
Make use of air-movement machines (e.g., cooling or misting fans), if provided.
Use your prescribed rest breaks to cool off.
Monitor yourself and others around you for any signs or symptoms of heatrelated illness.

Additional Resources

Heat Stress Safety Toolbox Talk

#35 Preventing Heat-Related Illness, Motion Picture Safety Bulletin

#4 Preventing Heat-Related Illness, Performing Arts Safety Bulletin

Beat the Heat Blog

WorkSafeBC Heat Stress

IATSE 891 Heat Stress App

March 31, 2024

Head First

Sukriti Sobti Blogs new and young workers, Prepare new workers for a safe career

How to prevent head injuries this winter

On a busy stage or set, there are countless props or pieces of equipment that could cause serious injury if they are not properly secured or. attended to. Whether it’s props, lighting, or camera equipment, using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety headgear has always been a useful way to reduce the risk of head injuries from falling, flying, or thrown objects. But in September 2021, there were changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation that require employers to follow the hierarchy of controls when managing the risk of head injury. These changes are described in the WorkSafeBC publication Regulatory amendment: A primer on safety headgear. Following the hierarchy means first trying to eliminate the risk of falling, flying, or throwing objects rather than defaulting to using PPE such as hard hats. Why? Because PPE does not eliminate or minimize a hazard—it simply puts a barrier between the hazard and the worker.

During the winter months, reduced daylight and decreased visibility make it even more important to ensure that safety measures are in place to protect crew members. Before work begins, take time to understand the risk of head injuries to your workers by completing a risk assessment. Do the set layout, work tasks, or activities put anyone at risk of a head injury from falling, flying, or thrown objects? Document all the potential hazards and then assess the risk. Encourage crew members to be a part of this process as they can provide valuable insights into the level of risk if they
are exposed to a hazard.

Once you’ve identified and assessed the risks, you can then determine how best to implement controls to eliminate or reduce the risk of head injury. If you cannot eliminate the risk, then you must apply engineering or administrative controls to reduce it. If it is
not practical to eliminate the risk or reduce it to the lowest level possible using other controls, then workers must wear appropriate safety headgear. Follow the hierarchy when considering possible risk controls:

1. Elimination

Physically remove the hazard. Look at creating safe and exclusion zones to eliminate the need for head protection.

2. Substitution

Replace the hazard with a safer option. Is there a lighting fixture or set piece that could fall that can be removed?

3. Engineering control

Isolate crew members from the hazard. Can safety nets be installed to create a barrier between the hazard and the crew members?

4. Administrative control

Change the way people work. Create designated walkways for performers and crew members that are free from overhead hazards.

5. PPE

Protect workers with personal protective equipment such as a hard hat.

While hard hats are frequently used as a protective device in many situations, completing a hazard and risk assessment and following the hierarchy of controls will help ensure that the correct level of protection is used to protect workers from injury. It also ensures that worker rights are respected and that workplaces consider suitable, safe options for those who may not be able to wear a hard hat because they wear religious headwear. If you or one of your workers is not able to wear a hard hat, speak to your employer about the options available to ensure a safe workplace. If a hard hat is needed, employers may have to offer other accommodations to ensure the safety of the crew member.

LEARN MORE

WorkSafeBC has created an OHS guideline to help you understand this new regulatory requirement and to provide support in identifying and controlling the risk of head injury from overhead hazards. You can find more resources on WorkSafeBC’s Safety Headgear page, including how to choose the right type of safety headgear, and by using their risk management template.

Download Infographic: Concussion Awareness, Response and Management for the Motion Picture, Film & Live Performance Industries

February 28, 2024

Preparing New Workers for a Safer Career

Sukriti Sobti Blogs new and young workers, Prepare new workers for a safe career

Learn how The ACT Arts Centre’s orientation and training program is keeping its most vulnerable employees safe on the job

Let’s face it—starting a new job can be nerve-wracking. Faced with information overload, new workers are often concerned about making a good impression, getting to know their workplace, and remembering their training in a new environment. These pressures are often why new workers—defined as workers of any age who are new to their workplace or industry—are more at risk of workplace injury. It’s estimated that one in five workers in Canada do not receive proper orientation when starting a new job. This makes new workers three times more likely to have a lost-time injury in their first month on the job. “Workers new to our industry can be particularly vulnerable when it comes to workplace injuries,” says Marett Alexander, Safety Supervisor at Actsafe. “Employers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all new workers are prepared for the job through effective orientation and training before they start work.

Helping new workers feel safe and confident

Landrie Davies knows a thing or two about orientation and training. As the Operations Manager for The ACT Arts Centre in Maple Ridge, she’s been supporting new workers in both front- and back-of-house positions for 20 years and says taking time to invest in employees early is beneficial to everyone.

“When workers feel supported in a workplace, they feel confident in what they do and will stay around longer,” says Landrie, who always begins her orientations by telling employees how happy The ACT is to have them. “It’s all about building the people that build the relationships that build the work. And if they succeed, then we succeed—it’s not sink or swim.”

The ACT’s new employee orientation begins with a building tour. This is followed by a review of employee terms and benefits, a review of key policies on topics such as bullying and harassment, and of course a thorough safety orientation. The ACT also has three safety boards managed by its joint health and safety committee, where staff can review recent meeting minutes and procedures on anything from dealing with sharps to bear spray.

When workers feel supported in a workplace, they feel confident in what they do and will stay around longer.”

LANDRIE DAVIS
Operations Manager, The ACT Arts Centre

“We give them the tools so they can easily locate health and safety information when they need it,” explains Landrie, adding that training can also be adapted depending on an individual’s learning style. “Everyone learns differently. It’s important to stop and look at how they can absorb the information you’re providing. By having one-on-one conversations and providing ongoing supervision, we can evaluate where workers are and provide them with additional support if needed.”

Shadoe Reisler, The ACT Arts Centre’s Technical Director, echoes this statement, adding that connecting with workers individually is key to ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable on the job.

“If I give you a task you’re not comfortable with, don’t just go and do it. That puts everyone at risk,” he says. “If you’re uncomfortable, let’s sit down and talk about it. If you’re still uneasy about it, then we’ll find something else for you to do. I would never tell my people to do something I wouldn’t do myself.”

Everyone has different skill levels and experience, so we give workers the time they need to understand the system…”

SHADOE REISLER
Technical Director, The ACT Arts Centre

Shadoe also likes to ensure all new workers are paired up with either a supervisor or a co-worker who can show them the ropes and answer questions.

“Everyone has different skill levels and experience, so we give workers the time they need to understand the system they’re working with and its regulations and procedures. Supervisors are always around and check back to make sure everyone is doing their work safely and correctly.”

Regulation for new worker orientation

According to WorkSafeBC, workers in their first month of a new job are three times more likely to get injured at work. Why? Marett cites inexperience, lack of understanding of their rights, and unwillingness to ask questions as common reasons, but also lack of preparation and training for the workplace.

“Providing effective orientation and training is the best way to prevent workplace incidents,” she says, adding that training should be specific to the workplace.

Sections 3.22 to 3.25 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation outline specific requirements employers must follow when working with new workers. Orientation and training must include the following topics:

Contact information for the worker’s supervisor and joint health and safety committee or worker representatives.
Workplace health and safety rules, as well as hazards that workers may be exposed to. This includes working alone or in isolation and violence in the workplace.
Personal protective equipment that is required.
Emergency procedures and location of first aid facilities.
Proper instruction and demonstration of the worker’s tasks and work processes.

Employers are also required to document and keep records of all training provided to new workers, as per section 3.25. WorkSafeBC has many resources, including a Young and New Worker Orientation Checklist and a Young & New Workers webpage to support employers and supervisors in keeping their workers safe at work.

No such thing as a silly question

Having worked with many new workers throughout her career, Landrie’s biggest piece of advice for workers who are new to their job site or industry is to ask for help.

“There’s no such thing as a silly question. We don’t expect you to have all the fundamentals or understanding of what your role is on day one. The best thing you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe is to ask for help when you’re unsure about something,” she says. “A workplace injury can have a negative impact for a long time—not just for the worker, but for you as the employer, the workplace, and your business. Demonstrate the value of safety for your team, and they’ll become advocates for it too.”

New Actsafe webpage for new workers

To support employers, supervisors, and workers, we’ve created a new page on the Actsafe website dedicated to new workers. You’ll find resources, checklists, and a variety of other tools to help ensure your new workers go home safely at the end of their workday. Check it out at www.actsafe.ca/topic/new-workers.

January 27, 2024

Winter Preparedness

Sukriti Sobti Blogs

How to protect your physical and mental health this season

Gone are the days when British Columbians could boast about mild winters to our friends on the East Coast. As we’ve seen over the past couple of years, the effects of climate change have not only brought lower temperatures but also increased snowfall, freezing rain, and a whole slew of winter weather conditions that many of us are not accustomed to. As we adapt to the conditions of the new normal, workers and employers must take proactive steps to protect themselves against the increased risks associated with winter.

Watch for winter hazards

Falling snow may be a picturesque backdrop, but inclement weather can pose significant risks when it comes to workplace health and safety. Icy sidewalks, slick road conditions, and falling snow are just a few winter-weather conditions crews need to consider when looking at ways to protect workers from weather-related hazards.

When workplace conditions change, including changes to the weather, employers should revisit their worksite risk assessments. Work with your crew to determine if any new hazards may be present in and around their workplace due to winter conditions. According to WorkSafeBC, cold stress, motor vehicle incidents, and slips, trips, and falls are common risks employers should anticipate during the winter season. Implementing appropriate controls and being proactive can help prevent injuries. Here are some ways to do this:

Choose locations that provide less risk of exposure to cold-weather elements or slippery conditions.
Provide warming shelters for workers on site.
Ensure anyone who is required to drive during their work has proper training and winter tires.
Post signs warning of particularly slippery areas.
Clear snow and apply salt to high-traffic walkways and areas.
Remind workers to dress appropriately for winter conditions.
Provide warm beverages and heat packs for gloves and shoes when possible.

Working in cold-weather conditions can lead to serious injuries if you and your team aren’t prepared. Monitor weather forecasts regularly throughout the season and be ready to put additional safety measures in place where needed to keep workers safe. For more information, see Actsafe bulletin #34, Preventing Cold-Related Illness.

Battling the winter blues

The increase in extreme weather events such as flooding and snowstorms can also bring about some uneasy feelings when it comes to facing the reality of climate change. Add longer and darker days with gloomy skies, and many individuals can find themselves struggling with their mental health during this time of year.

Recent studies have shown that an increasing number of Canadians are having difficulty staying hopeful about our uncertain and changing future. Whether they’ve been directly impacted by an extreme weather event or have general distress about what the future of our planet holds, these complex emotions can sometimes prevent individuals from going about their daily lives. It can be common for people to experience a range of emotions in response to climate change—feelings of anxiety, grief, fear, stress, and depression are examples of how this can manifest and can vary in intensity. Seasonal depression is also very common as we experience fewer hours of daylight during the winter months.

As an employer, supporting the health and safety of your workers, including their mental health, is a legal requirement. Keep an eye out for significant changes in mood or behaviour among your crew and performers. If you think someone may be struggling, create opportunities to check in with them regularly. Encouraging open and supportive communication can help reduce the stigma around mental health challenges and foster a supportive workplace culture. If you’re able to identify mental health issues in your workers, you can be in a better position to support them in getting the help they need.

Here are some other ways you can help support the mental wellness of your team members during the winter months:

Share your organization’s mental health resources, such as Employee and Family Assistance Programs or extended health benefits.

Encourage workers to focus on self-care to maintain resilience and healthy habits.

Ask simple questions such as “How are you doing today?” or “What does support look like for you today?” This can go a long way in making workers feel safe.

Stay connected with workers by checking in regularly, both in person and virtually.

Connect to resources

There are many resources available to those struggling with mental health:

Crisis Centre of BC: crisiscentre.bc.ca or 1.800.SUICIDE (1.800.784.2433)
310 Mental Health Support: crisislines.bc.ca or 310.6789 (no need to dial area code)
Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace Government of Canada
HeretoHelp: heretohelp.bc.ca
Anxiety Canada: anxietycanada.com
MoodFX: moodfx.ca
Calltime Mental Health: calltimementalhealth.com

October 14, 2023

Safe on Set

Sukriti Sobti Blogs

An article in Indiescreen 2024

IndieScreen is an essential industry magazine published by the CMPA that explores all aspects of independent production in Canada and Actsafe was pleased to contribute to an article about what producers should know about Safety on Set and the many free resources and services we provide.

ACTSAFE PROVIDES TOP-SHELF TRAINING AND RESOURCES TO BC PRODUCERS TO HELP KEEP THEIR PRODUCTIONS SAFE—FREE OF CHARGE. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

From ladder falls to stunts gone wrong, health and safety incidents—of any magnitude—are the last thing a producer wants for their crew. They can also give stress headaches to any producer not equipped to deal with them. But the fact is, a busy set can be an accident (or many) waiting to happen.

“There’s such a constant pressure to hit the ground running, whether you’re on your soundstage or especially on location for a limited number of days, trying to get the best of the sunlight, et cetera,” explains Dagan Nish, safety advisor for BC’s Actsafe Safety Association. “It’s important to slow down before you speed up.”

Actsafe Safety Association helps BC producers do just that. Actsafe is a not-for-profit health and safety association that services the arts and entertainment industry in the province, providing resources and training to employers, supervisors and workers, in a variety of different ways. Did we mention that the services are free?

Well, technically, many CMPA-BC members are paying for the services without realizing it—and without taking advantage of them. When WorkSafeBC (BC’s workers’ compensation board) collects workers’ compensation insurance premiums from all employers in the province’s motion picture sector, it funnels a percentage of those premiums into Actsafe’s programs. But it’s important to note that Actsafe is not part of WorkSafeBC; Actsafe has no enforcement powers, and it’s only there to help companies and employers make their workplaces as safe as they can be.

So what kind of services does Actsafe provide? It offers a number of e-learning courses, both introductory and more specialized, on safety in the motion picture industry; industry-specific workshops on identifying hazards and investigating incidents; and an extensive library of safety bulletins (see bottom of page for more information).

According to Katharine Pavoni, Director of Industry Programs and Services at Actsafe, “With the amount of money and time that must be spent after an incident occurs, it’s well worth it to have this training in place to help avoid incidents in the first place. It can be a really stressful situation when you don’t have the knowledge needed to properly conduct a workplace inspection, or to properly identify hazards.”

Actsafe also offers a robust, two-stage support system for productions building out their occupational health and safety (OHS) programs (see bottom of page). OHS programs are a requirement for any employer with more than 20 staff members (“Which is the majority of BC productions,” points out Pavoni).

“Producers really need to remember that they are employers,” says Jason Lee, the CMPA’s Vice President of BC Industrial Relations. “And under the occupational health and safety regime in British Columbia, all employers have an obligation to maintain a healthy and safe workplace for all of their workers.”

“Actsafe is there to support productions of all levels,” says Lee. “Its resources can be a huge assistance to independent producers who may not have the depth of resources that a much larger company, like a major Hollywood studio, can dedicate to health and safety.”

“Safety education is key education,” says Pavoni. “Not having it would be like walking off the street and onto a film set and not knowing how to use a walkie. Having it will ultimately make producers better professionals and better supervisors.”

Could your production be safer?

Actsafe’s mission is to make workplaces in BC’s arts and entertainment industry the safest in the world. Below, the free services it offers and how your production can benefit:

SAFETY COURSES
Actsafe offers a number of e-learning courses, including Motion Picture Industry Orientation, which provides an overview of health and safety considerations for the industry, and Motion Picture Safety for Supervisors, which outlines the responsibilities of supervisors, like location managers and heads of department.

WORKSHOPS

Actsafe offers workshops that break down how to identify hazards, investigate an incident and inspect a workplace. “These three factors should be understood by people supervising a set in any capacity,” says Pavoni. “If you don’t have this info before an incident, you probably won’t follow a step-by-step protocol, and you will miss things.”

SAFETY BULLETINS

These are industry guidelines to handling specific safety concerns (e.g., a studio filled with fog all day). Instead of producers writing a memo for every such situation, Actsafe has a wide variety of safety bulletins already on its website, which can be emailed, printed, posted on a safety board or handed out at the beginning of the day.

HELP WITH OHS PROGRAMS

Actsafe has a two-stage process: In Act One, productions receive a package with forms and info to help build an OHS program, and a safety advisor reviews the program once complete. In Act Two, a safety advisor provides a more hands-on review, particularly of programs in place for a longer period of time (such as for a show with multiple seasons). The advisor will examine how the program is being implemented (e.g., by attending a joint health and safety committee meeting), and spot and address any gaps.

October 7, 2023

Crowd Management

Sukriti Sobti Blogs

As the health and safety measures surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic subside, many of us are finally enjoying attending live events. But for those working behind the scenes, the unpredictable nature of managing crowds—whether it be a concert or a ballet performance—can pose significant risk not only to the performers and crew, but to the spectators. Past crowd disasters and incidents such as the 2010 Vancouver riots are examples of the potentially dangerous and even fatal consequences that can occur when crowds are not properly controlled.

Identifying hazards and implementing controls

One of the first steps when planning an event of any kind is creating a crowd management plan. The plan should consider all aspects of the event—from arrival of the guests and lineups, to exiting the facility and preparing for unplanned evacuations. Like any other work site, we must first assess the potential risks and hazards. Ask yourself, what at your event could cause harm to workers and people in attendance, who could be harmed by these hazards and what is the likelihood that this could occur? Common hazards at live events include:

The venue: Consider all aspects of the venue such as access to entrances and exits, temporary structures, grounds conditions, pedestrian routes, and layout.
Smoke or special effects: Could workers be disoriented by smoke, visual effects or dimmed lighting?
Unpredictable weather or natural hazards: What natural elements could pose a risk to the audience or staff?
The audience: Different events attract different crowds. Consider how the audience might behave; are they likely to be cooperative or more aggressive? Remember, consumption of alcohol can lead to more unpredictable crowd behaviour.

For more on training, check out Actsafe’s course calendar to learn more about Performing Arts Safety for Supervisors.

Once you’ve identified the hazards and evaluated the risks, take steps to eliminate or reduce them wherever possible. In event management, controls are often focused on the entry to the venue, the circulation of the crowd, and exit routes. Implementing controls such as barrier systems, emergency lighting, and ensuring adequate distance between rows and exit routes can help avoid crowd congestion that often leads to injuries.

Learn more about how your Joint Health and Safety Committee can prepare and reduce risks with Actsafe courses and workshops.

Communication is key

Everyone working or planning for a live event or show—regardless of the venue—has an important role to play in keeping all patrons and staff safe when it comes to managing a crowd. Once your crowd management plan is complete, it should be shared with all staff. Consider having a team huddle prior to the event so everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, understands emergency protocols and how to contact local emergency services if needed. Ensure you have proper communication channels available to communicate with staff during the event so that you can quickly share information if needed. Lastly, share safety plans with your audience. Ensure they’re aware of all emergency exits, have clear signage posted around the venue, and provide any additional resources such as maps or an information desk if needed.

Resources and support

While it’s impossible to predict how an audience will behave, proper preparation and planning can help reduce the likelihood of injuries should an incident occur and keep your guests, staff, and performers safe.

Looking for additional support to ensure your next event is safe for your workers? Actsafe’s Safety Advisors provide health and safety consulting assistance to help guide you through health and safety issues. Learn more on our website. You can also access a variety of resources to support your event plan preparations, including our AED rental program and our OHS Gap Analysis program by visiting actsafe.ca.

When planning for crowd management and mitigating risk to workers, there should also be consideration of what will be done after a significant incident has occurred to minimize the potential impacts of trauma for those involved. Unaddressed trauma can cause the development of mental health challenges as well as harmful physical health issues in the days, weeks or years afterwards. Critical incident stress debriefings (CISD) are one example of a structured methodology which could be valuable to use in such circumstances. CISDs follow a supportive, 7-phase crisis intervention process developed by Dr. J. T. Mitchell of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (Mitchell, 1983). This process is designed for small, homogenous groups to help normalize the group members’ reactions to a critical incident and to help facilitate their recovery. Through a combination of storytelling and practical information, participants are guided through the cognitive and affective domains of their experience to gain a full understanding of the impacts they’ve sustained and the support they may need to recover with greater resiliency. CISDs should be conducted by trained and qualified facilitators within 24 to 72 hours of a traumatic event.

Sources

https://esmcrowdmanagement.com/why-is-crowd-management-important-2/

https://www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/crowd-management.htm

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/majorplannedeventsguidelines.pdf

https://www.thegcma.com/

https:/esacanada.ca/

References

Mitchell, J.T. (1983). When disaster strikes: the critical incident stress debriefing process. Journal of Emergency Medical Services, 13(11), 49 – 52.

August 4, 2023

Actsafe 25th Anniversary

Sukriti Sobti Blogs

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS: A LOOK BACK AT HOW ACTSAFE BEGAN

In 1998 Titanic became the highest-grossing film of all time. And while it received many accolades, the human costs of creating the film are never discussed, when in fact several injuries and illness occurred during filming. Extras suffered broken bones and a ruptured spleen, actress Kate Winslet suffered hypothermia and 80 crew members were hospitalized after eating some bad clam chowder. So what does the Titanic have to do with Actsafe? While Titanic soared to the top of the box office charts that year, here in Vancouver Miles Muir, a technical director with over 30 years in the entertainment industry, sat around a table at a bar with his colleagues trying to figure out how to bring more safety regulation to the performing arts and motion picture industries. “One of the biggest challenges at the time was that the dangers in our industry were not being recognized. I wanted to find a way to ensure that everybody was safe and protected,” he says.

With the help of Mark Thompson, the group decided to create their own organization—one that would not only be a resource for crew and cast members, but also advocate for the health and safety of those working in the industry.

Miles Muir boardroom sign_with chair April 2023

They modeled the organization on a concept adopted by the Farmers Safety Association (now known as AgSafe) and established an industry association dedicated to promoting health and safety in the film, television, theatre, dance, music and performing arts industries in British Columbia. Originally named SHAPE (Safety and Health in Arts Production and Entertainment), the organization recognized the unique nature of the arts and entertainment industry and began working with employers, workers, as well as WorkSafeBC to improve health and safety in the workplace through information, education, and industry consultation.

“Back then, recognizing the importance of health and safety in the arts and entertainment industry was like an ostrich—people had their heads in the sand. Pulling people out of that sand has been crucial, and because of this, there is now recognition of the legitimate safety concerns that people face on set and in live performances,” says Miles.

Twenty-five years later, Miles says we’ve come a long way from being ostriches. “People now recognize the potential dangers of both sides of the industry, making it safer for everyone.”

In 2010, SHAPE rebranded as Actsafe to reflect the clarity and directness that we seek in our day-to-day interactions with stakeholders. What began as a grassroots initiative to make the arts and entertainment industry safer for cast and crew members has now turned into a trusted resource for industry—providing information, training and resources aligned with today’s changing technology and new ways of working.

“One of the biggest challenges at the time was that the dangers in our industry were not being recognized. I wanted to find a way to ensure that everybody was safe and protected.”
– MILES MUIR

Today, Vancouver is known as ‘Hollywood North’—one of Canada’s largest film-producing centres and home to a vibrant arts scene that hosts stage performances, events and concerts employing tens of thousands of workers across B.C. As the industry continues to grow, so does the need to bring regulation and guidelines to protect the health and safety of those bringing art to life. As the industry evolves, so do the hazards that workers face every day.

To keep with the pace of change, Actsafe has been an active participant on the frontlines— listening to the safety concerns of everyone of set so that we can focus our efforts on the greatest safety concerns impacting the industry today. Safe workplaces do not happen by coincidence, and creating a culture of safety requires the collaborative efforts of everyone to ensure cast and crew members go home safely at the end of each day. Thanks to continued collaboration with industry, Actsafe has been able to move the needle on health and safety in the arts and entertainment industry and continues to make a difference. We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the next 25 years!