The "People First, Safety Always" Methodology: An Evolution of Safety in the Entertainment Industry

The concept of "People First, Safety Always" was eloquently introduced to me through Anna Glover, CSP, CMIOSH, IRMcert (Director of Theatre Safety and Assistant Professor Adjunct at David Geffen School of Drama at Yale and Yale Repertory Theatre). Anna’s statement, as we presented a USITT Safety Commission session, embodied the idea that safety is all about taking care of people, about kindness in its purest form. The depth of this phrase impacted me, and the philosophy it embodies has since become a foundational element of my professional ethos in the world of entertainment.

When we think of declarations like this, we are reminded of the traditional slogans and sayings such as "Safety First" and "We take care of our family here" and the ever present “The Show must go on” which permeate the entertainment, film & television, and live events industry. ?While these mottos carry good intent, at best they gloss over the true issues in play when they are uttered, and in worse cases are used as a cudgel to shame someone into supporting an idea or going along with an expectation.

Safety related slogans especially fall short in this area. The phrase “Safety first” or “Safety is everyone’s job” fails to grasp the full spectrum of risk assessment, risk tolerance and the humans impacted by that risk. Safety isn't merely about avoiding physical harm, it's about fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and genuinely cared for (HSE, 2019).?

These are the principal reasons Anna’s statement connected with me. The heart of "People First, Safety Always" lies in a holistic view of safety. It pivots around psychological safety, mental health, work-life balance, and the creation of a culture wherein everyone's authentic self is nurtured. Consider this: when a performer is poised for a high-risk stunt, it's not just about ensuring they have the right harness or equipment. It's imperative they're mentally ready, that they have been part of the planning process, and feel their concerns have been addressed properly (Edmondson, 1999).

There's substantial academic backing for this methodology. For instance, in their work on organizational behavioral studies, Edmondson (1999) discussed the paramount importance of psychological safety in teams. When individuals experience a sense of security and mutual respect, their ability to innovate and approach challenges with confidence is significantly enhanced. We are simply better when we feel included and heard. ?Contrast this with a "Safety First" approach, which can sometimes limit safety to a procedural or checklist-driven exercise, potentially overlooking the human aspect (Reason, 1997).

Risk is an inherent facet of our industry. Spectacular performances and breathtaking scenes often come with their own set of challenges. Yet, with "People First, Safety Always", the emphasis is clear: given the right resources—whether monetary, in manpower, or time—even the most daunting of tasks can be executed safely (Dekker, 2018).

?The evolution to "People First, Safety Always" is more than a change in wording, it's a transformative philosophy, one that places human values at the forefront to ensure a safer and more inclusive environment.

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References:

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HSE. (2019). Involving your workforce in health and safety. Health and Safety Executive.

Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350-383.

Reason, J. (1997). Managing the risks of organizational accidents. Ashgate.

Dekker, S. (2018). Safety differently: Human factors for a new era. CRC Press.