Two recent injuries associated with special effects (SFX) have been reported from North America:

SAFTENG.net reports that a worker was critically injured in California in January while on the set of the feature: Charlie Wilson's War:  "Fire officials say a simulated stinger missile exploded at Downey Studios, a former aerospace factory south-east of downtown Los Angeles. The handheld device blew up as a group of special effects specialists were testing it. The injured worker, an assistant, was in critical condition after surgery."

In another incident, several burn injuries resulted from a SFX fire on a television production last October:  "a special effects fire grew quickly out of control. It jumped into the lighting rig above the set, then to the ceiling, and subsequently spread to the entire building."

Many items relevant to the film and television industry were on display at the Sydney Safety Show in October.  Among items of particular interest were: mechanical stair walkers which could take the size and weight of a dolly; one piece 1.2 meter platform scaffolding which folds up flat (instant-snappy) – one of many innovative scaffolding ideas; many working at heights systems; and safety vests which flash (for all these creatives who refuse to wear a boring safety vest).

Changes to the came into force today which protect workers in NSW from being victimised for reporting legitimate ohs issues at work or being sacked after being injured at work.  The changes are aimed at addressing protection barriers in the WorkChoices legislation.   Ref: NSW Industrial Relations Amendment Act 2006  (No 97 of 2006) and the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (Section 23A). 

The Alliance has worked with the Sydney TAFE to develop a nationally recognised course that focuses on the issues faced by the film and entertainment industry, and which will be run in Sydney in October and November.  The course is particularly relevant to stunt and safety officers, and additionally those with high levels of responsibility, particularly those who are regularly required to undertake risk assessments and those with management and supervisory responsibilities.

The Alliance has commissioned the Workplace Research Centre, Sydney University, to research the scope and effects of fatigue, in the film and entertainment industry.  Six focus groups were held in mid September, and a survey for all members and interested parties should be out in early October.  The Alliance wishes to thank the members and other industry workers who gave up their time to attend a session.  The research is being funded through a WorkCover NSW Research Grant.

Intense and extended working hours, unrealistic expectations and fewer staff to pick up the slack are all contributing to unsafe working conditions, according to an accirt report into occupational health and safety issues facing Australian media workers. Read it here.