Note From Tongal: “Safety On Set: How to Prevent Accidents During Production" is part of a series of Tongal Community-written blog posts that were originally sourced in the Tongal Blog Open Call Project. Read more Tongal Community-written posts here and then Pitch us a topic you'd like to write about for the Tongal Blog!
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It seems of late that the number of accidents on set is on the rise.
There was Lieutenant Michael Davidson, the firefighter who lost his life putting out an unexpected blaze on the New York City set of Motherless Brooklyn and stuntwoman Joi “SJ” Harris who lost control of her motorcycle while filming on Deadpool 2.
And most recently Brandon Sonnier, the showrunner of the upcoming Bad Boys spinoff TV series LA’s Finest had his leg amputated just below the knee after being rushed to the hospital. He was watching a scene from the safety of video village when a stunt car reportedly crashed into a cargo crate, with the container and/or the car smashing into video village, which had been set up behind the crate.
An OSHA investigation has been opened because this horrific on-set accident raises many questions, primarily why was video village set up in such close proximity to the stunt scene? And even if the investigation’s findings rule it to be a freak accident, if additional safeguards need to be placed on film and TV sets so it never happens again, that should be done. No writer, cast, or crewmember should be going to work fearing for their safety.
While incidents happen, certain things are definitely preventable. The production experience should be positive and not filled with dread. Knowledge is the best medicine for this, so here are a few safety tips for set to keep in mind:
Hire an experienced 1st AD.
You’ll want to do this for many reasons, but one of them is that they facilitate safety on set. 1st ADs are responsible for the crew and talent’s well-being. This means watching out for potential hazards; everything from gear safety to natural hazards to avoid like scorpions, spiders, and snakes. They maintain communication with Fire Safety Officers, Police, Monitors, SFX Supers, Armorers, Pyrotechs, Stunt Teams, Studio Teachers, Set Medics and Site Reps. ADs also create all accident reports and monitor on set injuries. They have the power to veto anything that they deem unsafe at any time.
Enforce and reinforce the little things.
Sometimes people need to be reminded of the basic filmmaking safety tips: Closed toe shoes, proper cord management, adhere to scheduled breaks, know where to locate breaker box and separate circuits, be fire marshal compliant, practice good crew communication, etc.
Prioritize it!
It’s important to make safety a priority from the beginning. Larger film sets obviously have safety managers who keep an eye out for any potential problems. If you’re on a small crew, you’ll need to keep safety at the forefront of everyone’s minds in every meeting and discussion.
Discuss safety at every tech scout.
Locate potential hazards, power sources, and escape routes in case of an emergency - and way before filming begins!
If you see something, say something.
Yes, the director is the only one that is allowed to call “Cut!,” but that rule is malleable when it comes to potential danger unfolding. If something safety-wise is bothering you on set, bring it to your department head or producer’s attention immediately. And if it’s even more pressing, it’s OK to interrupt the scene.
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