New reporting tool for theatre safety
The Theatre Safety Committee is encouraging theatre workers to use a new reporting tool to help improve health and safety in theatres.
The Incident Enquiry Form [87k pdf], released last week, was developed over a number of months and has been endorsed by key parts of the industry.
“if we share more information in an organised way, and draw lessens from the data, then we can only improve the industry’s performance and record in this important area.”
Theatre workers can use the document to report incidents, accidents and near misses on an anonymous basis.
The Theatre Safety Committee (TSC) will hold the information in a database and provide regular reports for discussion by industry representatives.
Willy Donaghy, Supervisory Official for the Arts and Entertainment Division, said: “We hope that our members, and theatre workers generally, will work together to encourage the adoption of the Incident Enquiry Form.
“Use of the document does not alter the responsibilities of management or of the workforce in respect of company policy or legal duty.
“However, if we share more information in an organised way, and draw lessens from the data, then we can only improve the industry’s performance and record in this important area.”
The TSC announced the imminent arrival of the new procedure in a press statement last November.
Theatre Safety Committee members
- Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT)
- Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU)
- Equity
- Independent Theatre Council (ITC)
- Institute of Entertainment and Arts Professionals (IEAP)
- Musicians Union (MU)
- National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA)
- Society of London Theatre (SOLT)
- Stage Management Association (SMA)
- Theatrical Management Association (TMA)
Sunday 8 February 2009