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News release

7 September 2011 - NR 42/11

New initiative to cut accidents in theatreland

Reducing the number of injuries suffered by actors and other theatre workers is the aim of a new initiative, launched in the West End today (Wednesday 7 September).

A training course for theatre managers, accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), has been unveiled amid concerns that health and safety knowledge has not kept up with developments in what is an increasingly ‘spectacular’ industry.

More money than ever before is being pumped into stage productions to ensure they attract a full house and stand out from the crowd. Directors want to incorporate the ‘wow factor’ into their shows with all-singing, all-dancing effects, stunts and scenery – but this brings added risks for workers in theatrical venues.

Richard Beale, chartered member of IOSH and managing director of RB Health and Safety, the company who are the brains behind the course, said: “As audiences demand more interesting stunts and special effects on stage, the risk to those involved in a performance increases.

“We’ve invested a large amount of resources into this course to ensure that it meets all of the industry’s needs – not letting health and safety impact creativity. We’ve worked closely with health and safety staff from a number of West End productions and theatres to assess the ‘real risks’ involved.”

Kevin Burgess, technical manager for Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, said: “Cameron Mackintosh Ltd and Delfont Mackintosh Theatres have been delighted to play a part in this innovative step forward for the theatre industry.

“It is not before time that we have a course that is dedicated to the theatre that doesn’t stifle the creative process and it is to the credit of everyone involved that this has been achieved.”

Over the past decade there have been a number of high profile accidents in the West End. Back in 2007 an actor on stage during Lord of the Rings the musical broke his leg in machinery on set. It is the occurrence of this type of accident the new training course aims to reduce.

The IOSH Managing Safely in Theatre and Production course has been designed as a blanket standard for managers within the industry, bringing them up to speed with the latest needs and developments.

Caroline Holden, executive director of commercial at IOSH, said: “With added pressure to increase dramatic effect comes the need to ensure that everyone working on a production goes home in one piece.

“We support this course, commissioned by Cameron Mackintosh and written by RB Health and Safety, and believe it will significantly contribute to making the world of theatre and production a safer place to work.”

Managing Safely in Theatre and Production covers topics such as working at height, assessing and controlling risk, fire and noise risk. Using interactive games, animation and video footage, delegates on the course learn how the ‘show can go on’ and run smoothly using a ‘common sense’ approach to health and safety.

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Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.