The Unseen Struggles of Working in the Film and TV Industry: The Importance of Health and Safety
Working in the film and TV industry is often seen as glamorous and exciting, filled with creative challenges and the thrill of bringing stories to life. However, behind the scenes, there are real risks, and the physical and mental toll on crew members can be significant. As an industry that regularly demands high-risk tasks such as stunts, special effects, and extreme environments, it’s crucial to address the importance of health and safety on set and reflect on the tragic events that have drawn attention to these concerns.
While we’re used to seeing breathtaking action sequences on screen, we rarely hear about the accidents that happen off-screen. Some of these are so severe that they have cost lives, and they serve as heartbreaking reminders of how important it is to prioritise safety on set.
For anyone working in the industry, these stories are a stark warning. I've been fortunate in my career, but I've also encountered moments of panic and uncertainty on set that make me wish we had stronger, more visible protocols in place to protect us.
One incident I recall was a stunt I was involved in that went wrong. We were working at height on a rig, and the safety distance between the stunt platform and the area of action wasn’t adequate. As a result, our platform was hit by the stunt, but by sheer luck, we avoided serious injury. Even though the outcome was not tragic, it was a terrifying experience. The feeling of being exposed with nowhere to go, and nobody to talk to, stayed with me. In situations like these, it can be hard to speak up, especially when you're concerned about the potential backlash. The industry can sometimes foster a culture where you fear voicing safety concerns might affect your reputation or career. But people’s safety should never be compromised, and I regret not speaking up at the time.
On another set, I worked with a team rigging a car that was going to be pulled at high speed to simulate a crash. The car was being rigged upside down, with someone still inside adjusting the setup. During a rushed night shoot, the first assistant director (1st AD), eager to wrap up the day’s work, simply shouted "Turnover," signalling that the next shot was about to be taken. It was only after I noticed the rigging team member inside the car that I called out to halt the action. In this case, there was no immediate harm, but it was a close call, and it made me realise how important it is to call attention to unsafe practices, no matter the pressure to get things done quickly.
Unfortunately, these kinds of incidents are not isolated. The pressure to meet deadlines and stay within budgets can sometimes cause safety protocols to be overlooked or rushed. However, the reality is that safety must always come first.
In light of these incidents, there are organisations like the Mark Milsome Foundation, which was created to promote safety and wellbeing for all those working on film and TV sets. The foundation advocates for safer practices and better training for crew members working near hazardous areas. Their work is critical in raising awareness and pushing for systemic changes in the way the industry handles safety.
You can learn more about their work here: Mark Milsome Foundation.
Additionally, the Film and TV Charity is another vital resource for those working in the industry. The charity provides mental health support, career guidance, and emergency financial relief for those in need. By fostering a safer and more supportive environment for all industry workers, they are helping ensure that the physical and emotional well-being of everyone on set is a priority. Their commitment to improving health and safety within the industry cannot be overstated.
Learn more about their initiatives here: Film and TV Charity.
There are a range of protocols and safeguards in place to prevent accidents on set. These include thorough risk assessments, safety briefings before every shoot, on-site medics, and the use of qualified stunt coordinators. However, even with these measures, there can sometimes be gaps. This is why it is so important for every crew member to be proactive in speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.
One of the most vital things to remember is that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Risk assessments are essential because they help identify potential hazards and outline steps to mitigate them. A solid risk assessment is meant to ensure that stunts, explosions, and other high-risk scenes are planned and executed safely. But there also needs to be a culture where it’s okay to speak up if something feels unsafe, where all crew members feel empowered to halt a dangerous situation, no matter their position.
Health and safety on set are not only about physical protection but mental health as well. The industry can be incredibly stressful, and the constant pressure to perform and meet deadlines can take a toll on crew members' mental health. Supporting one another, making time to check in on colleagues, and addressing mental health issues head-on can help prevent burnout and other long-term effects.
In conclusion, the film and TV industry is full of excitement, but it also comes with its share of risks. It's vital that we continue to advocate for stronger safety measures, speak up when we see something wrong, and support the initiatives of organisations like the Mark Milsome Foundation and the Film and TV Charity to make our industry safer. We must remember that no job is worth more than the safety and well-being of those working on it. If we can create an environment where safety is prioritised, it will ensure that future generations can enjoy the same thrills and joys of working in this creative industry without putting themselves in harm's way.
