The Production has implemented procedures for identifying and evaluating existing or potential hazards in the workplace and then eliminating or controlling them. This hazard assessment and control system is designed to identify hazards that exist or develop in the workplace, measures needed to correct those hazards, and steps to take to prevent their recurrence. It is a key component in making this an effective IIPP.
The objectives of the hazard control system include:
- Preventing hazardous conditions or acts from occurring through scheduled and documented selfinspections.
- Making sure established safe work practices are being followed and that unsafe conditions or procedures are identified and corrected promptly.
- Ensuring that any potential hazards associated with production locations are identified and corrected or controlled to ensure the safety of all production employees.
Scheduled inspections are in addition to the everyday health & safety checks that are part of the routine duties of department heads and supervisors. The frequency of these inspections depends on the operations involved, the magnitude of the hazards present, the proficiency of employees, changes in equipment or work processes, and the history of workplace injuries and illnesses. Personnel who are able to identify actual and potential hazards and who understand safe work practices should conduct inspections. Unsafe conditions will be corrected as soon as possible. Any condition that poses an immediate hazard shall be corrected immediately or the equipment / area restricted. At a minimum, periodic inspections shall be performed:
- When new substances, processes, procedures, or equipment are introduced to the workplace which present a potential new occupational safety or health hazard.
- When previously unrecognized hazards are identified.
- When occupational illnesses or injuries occur which require an employee to seek a physician’s care.
- Whenever workplace conditions warrant an inspection.
In order to identify and evaluate production hazards and assess risks to health and safety, a safety meeting is to be held during preproduction with all appropriate production personnel. Documentation of this meeting must be submitted to the Production Office Coordinator.
The purpose of this meeting is to identify and discuss all foreseeable production hazards and safety issues, to assess risks, and to develop strategies to control or eliminate those risks. Additional safety meetings should be scheduled as necessitated by any changes in the shooting schedule and/or script.
For location work, the Location Manager or his/her designate will inspect each location site, prior to the arrival of the production company, for potential hazards, environmental concerns or other unsafe conditions. The Location / Production Office Hazard Assessment Checklist (Form 4) and Guidelines for Locations are to be used during these inspections. Approved external consultants can also be used to complete walkthrough surveys for hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, mold, etc. Locations Department personnel should also interview the location owners / representatives and other persons who may be knowledgeable with the details or history of the location.
Scheduled workplace inspections to ensure a safe work environment and to identify any unsafe conditions are also required. The requirements for workplace inspections are outlined in the Workplace Inspections Section of this IIPP. The Safety Program Director will work with the OnSet Safety Coordinator, the Stunt and Special Effects Coordinators, and all other pertinent staff to plan each shot where there is a potential health & safety concern.
Any significant information regarding safety obtained during the hazard assessment process should be posted at the workplace and attached to call sheets to inform crew of the potential site hazards. Copies of all hazard assessments are to be retained by the Production Office Coordinator.
*See the Hazard Assessment Checklist and Guidelines for Locations (Form 4).
*See the Stunt and Special Effects Safety Inspection Checklists (Form 8 & Form 9).