Hazard – an actual or a potential source of harm to life, health or property. The existence of hazard implies the existence of a threat, but where the hazard can be contained or exposure is unlikely, it can exist with minimal risk. An example of a hazard in settin up a stage could include manual handling, excessive noise or fatigue caused by the pace of work. 

Risk - can be defined as the possibility of injury or loss, or the probability of injury or loss. The level of risk will depend on factors, such as how often the job is done, the number of workers involved and how serious any injuries that result could be. 

So in simple terms, a hazard is the potential source of harm or injury and a risk is the probability the hazard will cause harm or injury. 

There are many hazards when working in the entertainment industry some of which include the following:

• hazardous and non-hazardous materials

• human factors (self, colleagues and others)

• manual handling

• tools, equipment and machinery

• weather

• work environment

• work processes and practices

• working at heights

• working in a confined space

• working in the dark and/or in reduced/adverse lighting conditions

• working on special effects, stunts or action sequences

• working with electricity and cabling

ACTIVITY

In pairs, choose TWO of the above hazards and create a scenario in which something went wrong in the industry. Think about how it could be hazardous to you and your colleagues, as well as customers or clients. You can use examples you already know or make them up using your knowledge of the industry. Share your scenarios with the class and discuss what you might to to reduce the risk in these situations.

Risk assessments are a systematic method for quantifying and evaluating the likelihood of a hazardous event occurring and the resulting consequences. Risk Assessments should be done by a competent team of individuals who have a good working knowledge of the workplace.  

Employees, even contractors or freelancers should be involved always, including supervisors and workers who work with the process or workplace tasks under review, as they are the most familiar with the operation. 

Some common risks in the entertainment industry include falling off a ladder, bumping into thinks in a dark, environment electrical shocks, burns, and burnout. 

Discussion: Talk with the person next to you about some of these risk and identify three more that may be evident in the entertainment industry.

In general, to do an assessment, you should: 

• Identify hazards

• Evaluate the likelihood of an injury or illness occurring, as well as its severity.

• Consider normal operational situations as well as non-standard events such as shutdowns, power outages, emergencies, etc.

• Review all available health and safety information about the hazard such as MSDSs, manufacturer’s literature, information from reputable organisations, results of testing, etc.

• Identify actions necessary to eliminate or control the risk

• Monitor and evaluate to confirm the risk is controlled

• Keep any documentation or records that may be necessary. Documentation may include detailing the process used to assess the risk, outlining any evaluations, or detailing how conclusions were made

The common basis for risk assessment is to work out the level of risk by applying a ‘probability’ and what the resulting ‘consequences’ would be if a risky event did occur. 

Each risk is generally assessed as to its probability of occurring. The levels of risk probability are: 

H—High - these are problems that would or could happen frequently, or there is a high or continuous exposure to the hazard 

M—Medium – does or could happen occasionally or occasional exposure to the hazard

L—Low – rare occurrences, but could happen

N—No risk – extremely rare occurrences

Once a risk has been assessed as to its probability and the severity of the consequences, this needs to be recorded. 

The common method of recording a risk is using a risk matrix; an example is one on the left. 

The method is the hazard is identified and then the risk associated with the hazard is assessed as to its probability as well as the severity of the consequences and entered into a table called the ‘risk matrix’. 

An example of a documented risk assessment is below. It is like a ‘risk rating’ system where you take the probability and then the consequence to rate or assess the risk. 

Complete a risk assessment using the worksheet (left) assessing the risk invoved in replacing a broken speaker that is attached to the roof. Complete a minimum of four hazards.

Watch the video Hazards in the Theatre.

Make a list in your book of the hazards and risks identified and ways of controlling them in the theatre environment.

Complete a detailed risk assessment for each identified risk.