FILM AND HETV PRODUCTION
FILM AND HETV PRODUCTION
Managing health and safety across film, television and commercial production
15+
production workers have been killed on UK sets and locations in the past decade.
Falls from height, vehicle incidents, electrical failures and stunt-related accidents are the leading causes. The production environment combines multiple concurrent hazards with time pressure and a culture that can discourage raising safety concerns.
Your legal framework
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 applies in full to all production activity. The CDM Regulations 2015 apply to construction activity including set builds. ScreenSkills and the British Film Commission publish sector-specific guidance. Productions involving children must comply with the Children and Young Persons Act 1963 and local authority licensing requirements.
The highest-consequence risks
Falls from height
Camera platforms, lighting rigs, set construction and location work all involve working at height. Fragile roofs, temporary structures and inadequate edge protection all feature in HSE investigations.
Electrical systems
Temporary power distribution on location and in studios is complex and high-risk. BS7909 compliance, competent electrical supervisors and pre-use inspection are required.
Vehicle and transport incidents
Low loaders, camera cars, tracking vehicles and unit moves on public roads all create significant vehicle risk. Specific risk assessments and trained operators are essential.
Stunts and special effects
Choreographed action, pyrotechnics, practical fire and water work all require specialist risk assessment, experienced coordinators and documented safety protocols.
Five priorities for production safety
1
Appoint a qualified production safety adviser. A competent safety professional with production experience should be engaged before principal photography begins, not after a problem arises.2
Complete risk assessments for every department. Camera, electrical, construction, transport, stunts and locations all have distinct risk profiles. Generic assessments are not sufficient.3
Brief all crew at the start of each shooting day. A pre-shoot safety briefing covering the specific risks for that day, that location and those activities is both industry standard and legally required.4
Implement a credible speak-up culture. Production workers who raise safety concerns must be protected, not marginalised. A documented safety reporting process and a senior safety champion are both important.5
Maintain a complete document library. Risk assessments, method statements, permits to work, COSHH assessments and incident reports must be retained for the duration of the production and beyond.
Did you know?
The production industry has no exemption from health and safety law. Time pressure, budget constraints and creative ambition are not defences in enforcement proceedings. The HSE has prosecuted major production companies, broadcasters and independent producers. Competent safety management is a production cost, not an optional extra.