Incident Investigation and Reporting
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Safety in Film and Television Industry course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Accident #
Accident
An unplanned, unexpected event that results in harm to people, damage to propert… #
In the context of the film and television industry, an accident may occur on set or off set and can impact cast, crew, or bystanders.
Challenges #
Identifying and reporting all accidents can be difficult, especially if they seem minor or if there is a fear of repercussions. It's essential to create a culture where everyone feels comfortable reporting accidents, so that corrective actions can be taken to prevent future occurrences.
Competent Person #
Competent Person
An individual who has the knowledge, training, and experience to identify and ad… #
This person should be capable of implementing necessary controls and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Example #
A competent person might be a safety officer, production manager, or key grip who has received specialized training in recognizing and mitigating safety risks on set.
First Aid #
First Aid
The immediate care given to an injured or ill person before professional medical… #
First aid includes assessing the situation, providing basic life support, and addressing injuries such as cuts, burns, or fractures.
Practical application #
All film and television sets should have a well-stocked first aid kit and personnel trained in first aid and BLS.
Hazard #
Hazard
A situation or condition that has the potential to cause harm, damage, or advers… #
A situation or condition that has the potential to cause harm, damage, or adverse health effects to people, property, or the environment.
Example #
A hazard in the film and television industry could be working at heights, operating heavy machinery, or handling hazardous chemicals.
Incident #
Incident
An event or series of events that could have resulted in harm to people, damage… #
Incidents include accidents and near misses.
Example #
A prop gun accidentally discharging, even if no one is injured, is considered an incident.
Incident Investigation #
Incident Investigation
A systematic process for gathering and analyzing information to determine the ca… #
A systematic process for gathering and analyzing information to determine the causes and contributing factors of an incident, with the goal of preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Challenges #
Conducting an effective incident investigation requires thoroughness, objectivity, and a commitment to understanding the underlying causes of the incident. It's essential to involve relevant stakeholders and consider all possible contributing factors.
Incident Reporting #
Incident Reporting
The process of documenting and communicating information about an incident, incl… #
The process of documenting and communicating information about an incident, including the circumstances, consequences, and any actions taken in response.
Example #
An incident report might include details about the people involved, the equipment or materials involved, the sequence of events, and any immediate actions taken to address the situation.
JHA (Job Hazard Analysis) #
JHA (Job Hazard Analysis)
A systematic process for identifying and assessing hazards associated with a spe… #
A systematic process for identifying and assessing hazards associated with a specific job or task, with the goal of developing controls and procedures to minimize or eliminate the risks.
Practical application #
JHAs should be conducted for all high-risk tasks on a film or television set, such as working at heights, operating heavy machinery, or handling hazardous chemicals.
Lockout/Tagout #
Lockout/Tagout
A safety procedure used to prevent the release of energy or the start #
up of machinery during maintenance, repair, or servicing activities. The process involves physically securing the energy source and visually indicating that the equipment should not be operated.
Example #
Lockout/tagout procedures are essential when working on electrical equipment, hydraulic systems, or other high-energy systems.
Near Miss #
Near Miss
An event or situation that had the potential to cause harm, damage, or disruptio… #
An event or situation that had the potential to cause harm, damage, or disruption, but did not due to chance or intervention.
Example #
A near miss might be a piece of equipment malfunctioning or a prop gun failing to fire when expected.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) #
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
A U #
S. government agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions by enforcing regulations, providing training, and offering assistance to employers and workers.
Example #
OSHA sets standards for workplace safety in various industries, including the film and television industry.
Risk #
Risk
The likelihood and potential impact of harm, damage, or adverse health effects a… #
The likelihood and potential impact of harm, damage, or adverse health effects associated with a hazard.
Example #
Risk is often expressed as a combination of likelihood (high, medium, low) and impact (catastrophic, major, minor, negligible).
Risk Assessment #
Risk Assessment
The process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing risks associated with a… #
The process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing risks associated with a hazard, with the goal of developing and implementing appropriate control measures.
Example #
A risk assessment might be conducted for a stunt scene involving pyrotechnics, to identify and address potential risks to cast and crew members.
Root Cause Analysis #
Root Cause Analysis
A systematic process for identifying the underlying causes of an incident, with… #
A systematic process for identifying the underlying causes of an incident, with the goal of addressing the fundamental issues that led to the event.
Example #
Root cause analysis might involve techniques such as "5 Whys" or cause-and-effect diagrams to identify underlying factors contributing to an incident.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) #
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A document that provides information about a hazardous chemical, including its p… #
A document that provides information about a hazardous chemical, including its physical and chemical properties, potential hazards, safe handling and storage procedures, and emergency response measures.
Example #
SDSs are required by regulations such as OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and should be readily available to all employees who handle or work near hazardous chemicals.
SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) #
SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement)
A document that outlines the steps, hazards, and control measures associated wit… #
A document that outlines the steps, hazards, and control measures associated with a specific task or activity, with the goal of ensuring a safe and efficient work process.
Practical application #
SWMSs should be developed and implemented for all high-risk tasks on a film or television set, such as working at heights, operating heavy machinery, or handling hazardous chemicals.
This glossary contains more than 3000 words and provides comprehensive definitio… #
By understanding these terms and their practical applications, professionals in the industry can help create safer working environments and reduce the risk of accidents and incidents.