Risk Assessments for Film Productions (US&Canada)

Most workplace injuries and diseases can be prevented by identifying and dealing with potential workplace hazards and unsafe work practices.

Q. When do you need to conduct a risk assessment?

A.  For each potentially hazardous activity or situation involved in your production. I.e.:

• Stunts
• Special effects
• Water work
• Helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and gliders
• Exotic or domestic animals and reptiles
• Potentially hazardous locations

Conducting Film Production Risk Assessments – 3 basic steps

1. Identify potential hazards and unsafe work practices
2. Assess the risks associated with the potential hazards and/or unsafe work practices
3. Deal with the potential hazards and/or unsafe work practices

Remember: Write your risk assessments down on paper; that way, they can be attached to call sheets and used as a reference in case they are needed at a later date.

A specialized film insurance broker is best able to present the risks associated with your film production to the film insurance underwriter to ensure you receive the best coverage and premium for your production.

Front Row Insurance Brokers are specialized Film Insurance Brokers. Please call us if you have any questions.

The above information is  based on WorkSafe – Focus on Safety – Safe Work Practices for Film and Television Production in B.C. (2001 edition)