“Orientation sometimes isn’t just about the
immediate location we are filming or preparing
to film at” says Barager. “Sometimes it’s
teaching how to ask for something or how to
raise a concern. It’s about teaching someone
new how to use a radio or fill out a start pack.”
“It’s about empowering
your team with
knowledge.”
The way orientations are carried out is
changing, with productions moving towards
alternative ways to give orientations, while still
ensuring that all the vital safety information is
delivered. “Orientations begin in my office with
a discussion of hazards and safety requirements.
A conversation about solutions, if one is
needed, and an open door for anyone to join
in. Orientations are carried out verbally, through
a memo for full or partial distribution, notices are
posted or we get the word out digitally” details
Barager.
One digital platform that the ‘Supergirl’ team
utilizes is ‘Slack’. ‘Slack’ is a digital platform
that allows members to instant message, share
content, and interact with one another. This
makes it a great platform for production teams
to deliver important safety information. For
‘Supergirl’, Barager says: “Slack has been a
game changer for my department. It has taken
a bit of effort and certainly some persuasion
however, we use it so advantageously now
that I am able to know what is happening
almost instantly, good and bad. This is usually
accomplished without any use of ‘radio time’
and allow us to respond almost instantly.
Anyone on the channel can post, therefore
eliminating phone calls, time, and energy
tracking down the information. Not just tracking
it down but also spreading it to anyone on the
channel. The more information everyone has
the easier it is to communicate the boundaries
and limitations of where we are physically on
location.” In regards to orientations, Barager
notes that “it is probably our primary tool for
orientations within our department by posting
callsheets, tasks and itineraries.”
carrying out on any given day. Barager notes
“complacency” as being her teams most
common hazard: “We visit sets and locations
repeatedly and forget that not everyone knows
the previously established parameters.” A lack
of sleep is another major hazard for her crew
and in the motion picture industry in general
due to the long hours and tight schedules.
Fatigue and burnout are common place and
Barager notes that “you must address yourself
before you can safely assist others” so it’s your
responsibility to alert your supervisor if you feel
you are unable to perform your work in a safe
way.
One lesson that we can learn from the
‘Supergirl’ team is that safety must be a team
effort. It is not one person’s responsibility to
ensure safety on set; but a collaborative effort.
“I am very lucky to work for such a supportive
Production Manager and Producers and it
has stemmed from the top. Warner Bros. takes
safety on set as a highest priority. Solutions have
become a team effort...”
“Actsafe is really good
at showing how each
department head is
responsible and how to
work together.”
This collaborative approach is what ensures any
safety issues are noted and that better steps are
in place to ensure safety. “Leading by example
is at the forefront on ‘Supergirl’ and from
the top down there is respect and courtesy
regarding any safety issues, requests for help
or information. There is a policy of ‘good ideas
are to be shared’ which also keeps everyone
engaged; being a link to a bigger picture.”
Production teams encounter many different
hazards, depending on the work that they are
Summer 2019 Edition: Orientation
Safety Scene 3