Saying that movie and television sets have a lot of moving pieces is an understatement. Between the actors, sets, stunt doubles, production technicians, and other crew members, an infinite amount of activity occurs even before a single take. And, with so many cogs in motion, it should come as little surprise that on-set accidents can (and do) occur, many of which can be attributed to human error.
Weapons are of particular note in this regard, and those working with prop guns and pyrotechnics on set must be both well-trained and ready for anything. While horrific accidents like the accidental shooting death of Brandon Lee during the filming of 1993’s The Crow or the recent death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins get the most press, the most common on-set hazards are a bit more mundane. Producers, talent, and crew members alike can be injured by falling props and equipment, malfunctioning pyrotechnics, insufficient safety equipment, inclement weather, and more.
The continued spread of Covid-19 has added yet another aspect to the issue of ensuring safety on set. During the height of the pandemic, many innovative directors went remote whenever possible and kept indoor workspaces well ventilated. For modern filmmakers, Covid-related protocols are just one of the tools you can use to promote on-set safety in a complex industry where potential hazards abound.
Staying Safe in a Hazardous World
In both real life and on the big screen, it’s a dangerous world out there, and we’re exposed to various environmental hazards every day. Those living in urban areas, for example, are regularly exposed to excessive noise, from sources as varied as traffic to industrial activity, and even our entertainment choices. The cacophony produced by daily urban background noises, in fact, reaches an average level of 60 decibels, which can cause stress and elevated blood pressure along with hearing loss.
According to data from Maryville University, more than 1.1 billion young people around the world are at risk of some type of hearing loss just from daily activities. And for those working in certain industries, including film and television, the risk of hearing damage is even higher. When the script calls for loud sounds such as explosions, loud music, or even speeding subway cars, production crews should prepare accordingly. As appropriate, provide hearing protection and education to every crew member who will be exposed to dangerously high decibel levels.
Eliminating Dangerous On-Set Situations
Despite the prevalence of burns, cuts, and broken limbs when it comes to on-set injuries, helicopter crashes are the biggest killer on TV and film sets. According to Deadline, helicopter crashes have taken more lives on set than any other accident type, including those that involved firearms. Between 1980 and 2014, helicopter accidents claimed the lives of 33 film and TV workers around the world, which equals about one per year.
When serious on-set accidents occur, the production company itself, as well as directors, producers, and stunt coordinators, may be liable for injuries or death. No matter your duties on a film or TV production crew, you’re never required to work in unsafe conditions. Over the years, various film crews have walked off set in protest of workplace hazards, calling for accountability from production companies and studios.
From an employment standpoint, production companies are both legally and ethically responsible for the safety of their crew. Employers in every industry must provide a workplace that is free from serious hazards, and safety training when appropriate. Within the U.S., the film industry is subject to the same safety standards as any other employer, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures that businesses are compliant.
Nothing is Trivial: Every Detail Counts in On-Set Safety
But on-set safety is a job for every crew member, not just local authorities and governmental agencies. In the Crow, Brandon Lee’s line (as the deceased Eric Draven), “believe me, nothing is trivial,” is among the film’s most poignant, considering what happened later in production. And it’s an important lesson in the realm of on-set safety: Film crews should prioritize and promote safety in every aspect of the production process.
On film and TV sets, safety training encompasses everything from proper weapons handling to the importance of eye protection. When rehearsing or performing stunts, everyone involved should cultivate an awareness of every potential hazard, and take extra precautions if necessary. In extreme weather conditions such as high winds, for instance, film crews may want to wear face shields or similar protective gear, and eyewash stations should be easy to access.
Key Takeaways
Early Hollywood productions were notoriously hazardous, especially for actors and stunt performers, and many common on-set hazards such as communicable illness and high decibel exposure persist to this day. Hazardous working conditions can negatively impact the health and safety of a film crew, while also increasing stress levels among everyone involved. The good news is that the film industry has drastically improved over the last century, in terms of keeping crews safe. In 2021 and beyond, ensuring safety on set is a job for all crew members, no matter your job title.
