IATSE_4th2017_web

By Kent Jorgensen,
Chairman, Safety Committee
Safety–The Hottest
Trend in the Workplace
A
couple of important safety trends have been happening over the past few years. First, entertainment
industry employers are taking safety more seriously, and implementing health and safety
programs. Second, IATSE members have been attending OSHA safety classes.
One of the modules of the OSHA
10 class discusses the employer and employee’s
OSHA rights and responsibilities,
and the relationship as it relates to
workplace safety. One of the rights that
employees have is the right to inform
their employer of a hazard and to ask to
have that hazard corrected.
An employer’s responsibility is to
provide a place of employment free of
recognized hazards. The class explains
the need for processes of inspecting,
identifying, and assessing the workplaces
and tasks for hazards employees might
be exposed to. This makes perfect sense.
The workplace is controlled by the companies.
They are the entity putting on the
show, using the equipment, and directing
the workers. We, as the crew, are the qualified
people the employers have hired to
facilitate the company’s responsibilities.
We are directed to install the elements
that make the show happen, operate the
equipment, and follow the health and
safety program of our employers.
Safety and health programs define
the relationship between employers
and employees in the workplace. Companies
write out a program to be followed.
These aren’t just rules for workers
to follow, these are rules that the
employers have to follow as well. Some
of you have never heard of a health and
safety program, and your employers
have been slow in implementing these
programs. While some people see these
programs as a hassle and problem, they
can be good things for workers.
Why are these programs good for
workers? Most health and safety programs
require worker participation. Who
in the company is the individual that will
actually do the inspection? Which of
the management people has the time or
knowledge to know what to look for on a
set, stage, or exhibition floor? Hasn’t the
company hired us as the qualified people
in our craft? By following the companies
program and assisting the company with
implementing its guidelines we have
some control over our own safety.
Because employers cannot be everywhere,
we are expected to report
problems, issues, or hazards we find. If
their program is in place there will be
a procedure to report hazards. OSHA
expects employees to report the hazards
as well. There is an expectation that employers
know the benefits of keeping a
safe workplace. It is in their best interest
to keep things safe. They should want to
know the hazard is there.
Many IATSE members are reluctant
to step up and report hazards. They
fear that they will lose work and possibly
ruin their career. It has been my
experience that most employers welcome
the input so they can take care of
a hazard. If there is still a feeling that
reporting can cause an issue, many employers
have anonymous ways to report
hazards. You can also make the report
to your Local. The IATSE representative
can make a report to the employer. Also,
the International has a Hotline number.
Members can call, 844- IA AWARE, or
844-422-9273.
No one should have to work in a
dangerous place. Stand up and let your
employer know about problems. It is
good for everybody on the job.
NOTE: For the past several years the IATSE has observed Workers’ Memorial Day, April 28, and North American
Occupational Safety & Health Week, May 6 - May 12, 2018. Keep these dates open. Have your safety and training
committee plan events to promote occupational safety.
FOURTH QUARTER 2017 45