The media and entertainment union Film Artistes Association (FAA) recently reminded employers in the movie industry to take safety issues more seriously. The FAA is a union that focuses on employee problems in the movie industry.
The association has appealed to employers to ensure that safety measures are taken on all locations where union members are expected to work. Accidents and injuries resulting from lack of such provisions are reason enough for employers to start taking the issue seriously, the union stated.
Paul Kirby, Chairman of the FAA, specially pointed out the lack of handrails on vehicles used for various requirements during shoots. Several activities like makeup, changing, hair dressing, costuming and wardrobe take place on board caravans or trucks which have steps leading up to the door. However, the steps do not have any handrails for assisting in case of imbalance. The provision of handrails here will significantly improve the safety of workers who are required to use these vehicles frequently, believes Kirby.
Kirby also pointed out the case of a woman worker who sustained grievous injuries while reaching a caravan. She lost her balance and fell down the steps sustaining several fractures and lacerations that have prevented her from resuming duty. This accident could have been avoided if the woman had been able to stop her fall by grabbing on to a handrail.
All employers have a duty towards ensuring health and safety of the workers; a NEBOSH course, leading to the award of the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health, can be of benefit to organisations in providing the knowledge to manage safely and effectively in compliance with both the organisation’s policy and best practice in health and safety.
