Building Safer Sets
In conversation with Jeremy MacLeod and Tia Buhl
The power of joint health and safety committees in our industry
On any given production, there’s a moment when everything clicks—when the lights, crew, performers, and plan all move in sync. But behind that seamless moment is something far less visible: the people who make sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the shift. In an industry built on tight timelines, creative problem solving, and constant change, safety isn’t just a checklist item. It’s a culture—and joint health and safety committees (JHSCs) are at the heart of it.
Across film sets, theatres, festivals, and live events, JHSCs bring workers and employers together to spot risks early, strengthen communication, and build safer, more resilient productions. And with Actsafe’s newly refreshed JHSC training course, industry members now have access to tools designed specifically for the realities of arts and entertainment.
Building a strong foundation
As the technical director at the Belfry Theatre in Victoria, Jeremy MacLeod wears a lot of hats. It’s a smaller organization, so he not only manages the creative and design teams but also supports the theatre’s occupational health and safety work— including recently establishing their JHSC. “Traditionally, the Belfry has had a good safety culture, but it was time to align with regulations and formalize our safety work through a committee,” he says. Actsafe’s revamped in-person JHSC training program played a key role in helping the team chart their critical path and set themselves up for success.
In an established organization, it can be hard to know where to start. The course helped us map out the critical first steps and understand what an effective committee actually looks like.
– Jeremy MacLeod, Technical Director
Being able to complete the foundational training as a group also helped create a shared baseline of knowledge and confidence. “It was really informative. Going through it together gave us a common language and a clear direction,” he says.
Training built for the realities of our industry
The newly refreshed Joint Health and Safety Committee Fundamentals course gives arts and entertainment workers the practical skills they need to contribute to safer productions—whether they’re brand new to a committee or looking to strengthen an existing one. Designed specifically for film, television, live events, and performing arts, the workshop focuses less on regulations and more on the real-world duties of JHSC members. Participants work through industry-specific scenarios, practice essential committee skills, and leave with tools they can apply immediately on the job.
To make the training accessible across the province, Actsafe now offers two formats— an in-person workshop for hands-on learning, and a virtual option for teams spread across multiple locations. The course is ideal for current or aspiring JHSC members, as well as production managers, assistant directors, department heads, stage managers, technical directors, location managers, and event coordinators—anyone who plays a role in keeping their production safe. MacLeod, whose team participated in an in-person session, said coming together as a newly formed group was beneficial to cementing their learning as a team. “The ability to take that foundational training all together as a group was really helpful,” he says. “It was almost like a teambuilding exercise in a way—sharing personal experiences and being able to ask questions that pertain specifically to our organization and unique circumstances.”
Key skills and topics include:
- Understanding the purpose, structure, and roles within a JHSC
- Worker, supervisor, and employer rights Worker, supervisor, and employer rights and responsibilities
- Navigating the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
- Workplace inspections, incident investigations, and risk assessments
- Effective communication, consultation, Effective communication, consultation, and recommendations
- The right to refuse unsafe work The right to refuse unsafe work
- Committee governance, meeting minutes, and strategic planning
Production Manager Tia Buhl, who took the online version of the course, says she appreciated the real-world examples provided, adding that it made the learning engaging.
It helped to reaffirm that what I’m doing is correct when it comes to supporting my crew with health and safety.
– Tia Buhl, Production Manager
Why employers should champion JHSCs
For employers, supporting a joint health and safety committee isn’t just about compliance—it’s about shaping a healthier, more collaborative safety culture.
“At its core, it’s about shifting the narrative. Safety shouldn’t be reactive or punitive,” says MacLeod. “A JHSC creates a proactive, positive space where workers and employers can talk openly and work together toward better outcomes.” Instead of waiting for an incident to force action, a well-supported committee helps an organization identify risks early, strengthen communication, and build trust across departments and roles. And for employers who may be hesitant or unsure where to begin, the refreshed Actsafe training offers a clear, structured path forward—one that demystifies the process and helps committees launch with confidence. “People want to contribute, and there are often passionate individuals across departments who can help build momentum,” says Buhl. “A committee helps give structure and shared responsibility to work that often falls informally on already busy staff. It also ensures that people know where to go when they have questions or concerns,” she says.
