SAFETY ON SET - Stay in Your Lane…

We live and work in an amazing industry, ?whether you are an On-Set Safety Supervisor or not, on any given working day we have the opportunity to interact with so many different people from all departments, as an On-Set Safety Supervisor, I find we get a bit more of an opportunity to gain an insight into these departments how they work. We work closely with the crew members as well as the production team and office crew to help make a safer working environment.

The nature of our work allows us to learn so many facets of the business and at times allows us in to inner sanctums that very few are not privy to.

Privy is the key word there, privilege, we are very privileged to be welcomed into these arenas and we must respect that and know our place.

This is an easy rule to forget and one, we work in close proximity to each other and just because we hear what others say doesn't mean we need to offer our opinions, butt in, and pass comment or judgement where it's not wanted or warranted, this can make for a very uncomfortable work environment. We need to be careful and not start telling people from other departments how we think things should be done, and it’s hard not to but we need to hold our tongues even if we think we are doing the right thing you may not know the bigger picture.

Many of us and I truly believe none of us are immune to it, I know I have been guilty of throwing our two cents worth in when it’s not wanted, thinking I was doing the right thing… What we need to learn is how to keep our mouths shut at the right time, less can definitely be more.

If decisions that are being discussed in front of you do not pose a direct physical risk to anyone, and you haven’t been invited to partake or comment, your opinion is not warranted or wanted.

One thing is for sure as a safety, consultant, supervisor, manager or officer. Whatever they want to call you, if you butt in, interject, throw opinions where they are not wanted, speak out of turn or criticize where its unnecessary , people will naturally and inevitably avoid you and stop listening, this is the last thing you need.

Less is more, if you talk too much or butt in where you don’t belong when the time comes that you really need people to listen to you, they just won’t be available to you, it’ll just be more words from that guy that never shuts up or always has an opinion that doesn’t concern him or her. ?Trust me I’ve seen this happen and it can be incredibly embarrassing, uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous.

Respect their space and they will respect yours.

People don’t need us to tell them how to do their job, even if they are making a mistake at it, or you think you know better, it’s not our place to critique the work of others or offer suggestions, even when invited to, it’s better to stay quiet and let them sort things out themselves, they have a department full of people they can consult with to help sort it out.

Now I'm not saying don't lend a hand if someone’s having troubles or is struggling, that’s not my point here, all I am saying is that we are there to watch peoples back, to help ensure their safety on set, supply them with the appropriate information and equipment where warranted to keep them safe, to advise them on safe practices, the law and to help them stay out of the medic’s room, hospital, jail or the morgue.

?Whilst we are worrying about issues that don’t concern us, situations that do might just be occurring elsewhere.

We have enough to do, the last thing we need to do is get involved with other people’s jobs or problems.?

SAFETY ON SET means stay in your lane and keep your crew safe in theirs...

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