Spotlight May-June 2019

Safety Is No Accident
Bob Frame
We all LOVE creating theatre: it’s our hobby, our passion,
our escape. But a theatrical environment is very dangerous,
especially during tech, and we must never forget that. Over the
years I have had my share of bumps, falls, cuts, and “near misses.” I
am still here to talk about it, so I guess this old dog did learn some
tricks.
around, even wet paint can be a danger. The two best general tips I
can share are:
1. Stop, Look, and Listen. Stop before you enter a new environment;
Look to see if the environment has changed; and Listen
for call outs (“batten coming down”) from those at work.
2. If you don’t feel safe—don’t do it! Feeling unsafe can come
from a variety of sources: Feel you’re insufficiently instructed?—
don’t do it! Scared of the tool?—don’t use it until you get more training!
Afraid of heights?—don’t climb the ladder (more on this later)!
Safety glasses are a must
anytime you are working with
tools. It took me two times in
the Emergency Room with
scratched corneas to learn
that lesson!
Something too heavy to lift?—don’t do it alone; ask for help! (And
when you do lift, bend your knees and lift with your legs. Don’t bend
over and force your back to strain doing all the work.)
The environment during load-in and tech is ever-evolving:
a hole in the floor that wasn’t previously there, battens flying in
and out, power tools being used, lumber and scenery being moved
But there’s so much more you can and need to do to protect
yourself. Sturdy Shoes: You can usually get by without steel-toe
boots, but your feet must be covered. NO HEELS, SANDALS, OR
continued on page 34
32 AACT Spotlight May/June 2019