Creating a Safe Workplace: A Guide for Arts and Entertainment Leaders
This resource is part of De-escalation Strategies for BC’s Arts & Entertainment Sector for those who work in arts and entertainment. Download the De-escalation quick reference guide as a handy resource or watch the video.
The Arts and Entertainment Industry is fast-paced and audience-focused, but it can also bring unique challenges that put employees at risk. Ensuring the safety and well-being of crew is a critical responsibility for leaders.
Live events often involve complex power dynamics between touring and local crew—whether it’s navigating cultural differences with international teams, managing conflicting expectations under tight deadlines, high stress, and sleep deprivation, or addressing instances where touring crew may direct frustration toward local technicians.
In festival environments, crew members wearing identification badges can become targets for public complaints and demands, while the sheer volume of simultaneous issues can leave individual concerns unaddressed.
Additionally, the people you work with have different worldviews, political beliefs, life experiences and lived experiences that also contribute to the crew dynamic. Creating clear protocols for addressing these interpersonal conflicts and power imbalances is essential to protecting your crew’s well-being.
A safe workplace isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s essential for maintaining a positive environment where employees feel supported and can thrive. Here are some steps you can take to help protect your team and foster a culture of safety.
Understand Your Responsibilities
Every production has a duty to provide a safe and secure workplace for their workers. This means:
- Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards, such as unsafe work environments or high-risk customer interactions.
- Complying with safety regulations, like WorkSafe BC’s violence prevention regulations, to proactively address risks. You can learn more about creating a violence prevention programs at Workplace Violence
- Providing clear protocols for handling emergencies or escalating situations.
Establishing a working alone program if workers are assigned to complete work alone or in isolation, following the tips from Actsafe at Working Alone
Remember: Employees who feel protected are more likely to stay engaged, productive, and confident on the job.
One of the easiest ways to get a clear understanding of what is happening with staff is to have a 1:1 conversation with them, and genuinely ask what is going on and how they are feeling.
Invest in Training and Resources
Training is one of the most powerful tools to empower your team and prevent unsafe situations. Equip employees with the skills and knowledge they need to handle challenges effectively.
Key topics to cover in your training programs can include:
Teach staff how to remain calm, validate concerns, and redirect challenging interactions. Practical tips, such as speaking in a steady tone or using neutral body language, can make a big difference. Holding pre-production meetings on de-escalation can help before production goes to camera.
Provide guidance on positioning themselves for safety (e.g., keeping distance or larger objects between themselves and an audience member) and ensuring access to an exit. Encourage buddy systems so teammates can rely on each other to intervene or fill in for roles. And be sure to include guidance on safe handling of equipment.
Establish clear guidelines for when to involve management, hired security teams or external support such as police.
Pro Tip: Include ongoing refreshers or practice sessions so employees feel confident applying these techniques.
Proactive Measures to Keep Everyone Safe
Taking a proactive approach can prevent many issues before they arise. Consider implementing these measures:
Create an environment where workers feel comfortable raising concerns before safety issues arise, and reporting safety concerns or difficult interactions without fear of repercussions.
• Ensure all workspaces have easy access to exits and easy evacuation routes if someone needs to leave.
• Have designated members who can support safety, like walking members to the crew park.
• Use safety apps or check-in systems for staff working alone, such as box office or remote festival sites, or during late shifts, such as front-of-house closing or late-night load-outs.
Train managers to step in when needed. For instance, encourage staff to redirect escalating situations with phrases like, “I’m going to get my front-of-house manager/production manager/department head to assist you.”
If an incident occurs, review it with your team to identify lessons learned and update protocols as needed.
This resource is part of Safety Talk: De-escalation for those who work in arts and entertainment. Download the De-escalation quick reference guide as a handy resource or watch the video.
Lead By Example
As a leader, your actions set the tone for your workplace. Show your commitment to safety by actively participating in training sessions, modelling de-escalation techniques, and listening to crew concerns.
Resources for Employers
Make sure your team has access to the right resources to stay safe:
- Violence Prevention Toolkit: Share your workplace’s protocols and ensure employees know when and how to use them.
- Mental Health Support: Remind workers of programs and supports available through their union(s), the provincial government and other supports.
- External Expertise: Partner with organizations like ActSafe for workplace safety webinars, consultations, or additional training materials.
Build a Culture of Safety and Respect Together
Creating a safe workplace isn’t just about avoiding risks—it’s about fostering a culture of trust, respect, support, and looking out for one another. When workers feel confident that their safety is a priority, they’re better equipped to deliver outstanding service and thrive in their roles.
By taking proactive steps and demonstrating your commitment to safety, you can build a stronger, more resilient workplace that benefits both your team and your audiences.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility—and it starts with you.