Health and Safety Resources
Prioritising health and safety is crucial for anyone working in the Australian film industry, both for personal well-being and for the safety of colleagues. There are various industry-specific risks and hazards to be aware of, but fortunately, there are also numerous resources and training programs available that are tailored to the industry.
Familiarising yourself with these resources and opportunities is essential, not only for your own safety but for the safety of those around you. When applicable to your role, taking the initiative to complete relevant training can equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate potential hazards and minimise risks in your workplace. Here are some suggested resources:
The National Guidelines for Screen Safety provide a comprehensive overview of legal WHS requirements, risk management and mitigation strategies, as well as incident response approaches which relate specifically to the idiosyncrasies of the Australian film and television industry.
The Australian Screen Production Industry COVID-Safe Guidelines (most recently updated in March 2022) provide comprehensive guidance to address ongoing risks associated with the COVID 19 pandemic, as well as WHS responsibilities, insurance and HR matters.
ScreenWell Mental Health First Aid Training is specialised mental health first aid training for the screen industry. The importance of building knowledge and awareness about mental health in an industry context cannot be understated and should be an ongoing consideration when developing WHS strategies and plans.
The Screen Industry Code of Practice provides best practice guidelines to address discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace.
Screen Safe Australia provides a number of resources, including very useful safety checklists and forms.
Safe Work Australia is the government entity providing overarching guidelines for WHS policy and practice across all sectors in Australia.