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Getting a handle on location safety

This fresh appeal is prompted by persistent concern at the hazards linked to the lack of handrails on facilities vehicles. 

While handrails seem an insignificant issue, several of our members have had accidents because they were not in place

Paul Kirby, chair of the FAA , which looks after background artistes, explained:

“This has been a problem for many years. On location, facilities such as hair and make-up, costume and wardrobe, and changing and toilet facilities are usually housed in lorries or caravans which have several steps up to the door.  

"While handrails seem an insignificant issue, several of our members have had accidents because they were not in place and in one case one of our members slipped on the wet and muddy metal stairs leading up to wardrobe, reached out for a handrail that wasn’t there and broke her hip and her arm and had facial injuries. Her injuries were so severe that she has not worked since."

The incident referred to happened six years' ago and yet some production companies are failing to act to protect cast, crew and their own best interests. 

The FAA is asking members to take photos of  facilities vehicles without handrails and to email these to BECTU head office, info@bectu.org.uk, with the date the photograph was taken, the name of the production, the producing company and the name of the location.

"With this cooperation, we believe this small but important issue could be addressed quite quickly, making location work far safer for all cast and crew.” said Paul Kirby.

BBC experience

Meanwhile over at the BBC, safety managers have agreed with BECTU that there are, contrary to guidance, too many instances of handrails not being fitted and of incidents occurring on production vehicle steps.

National official, Anna Murray said:

“BECTU has been asked to supply information on any such instances so that the reasons for such failures can be addressed. Members should also ensure that all incidents and near-misses around vehicle steps are recorded properly.”

The union is also getting reports that more accidents are occuring when people are getting into and out of vehicle cabs. Could this be the result of cutbacks and of the increased pressure on staff to multi-task?

To report concerns on these issues from a BBC perspective contact Anna Murray amurray@bectu.org.uk