Film and television sets are dynamic working environments where tight schedules, technical equipment and large crews all come together.
It’s no wonder accidents happen occasionally.
From minor slips to more serious incidents involving equipment or stunts, when something goes wrong, who is responsible?
Primary responsibility
In most cases, the production company carries the primary duty of care.
As the employer or principal organiser, they are responsible for ensuring the set is safe to work on.
The production company should conduct risk assessments, provide appropriate training, maintain equipment and hire qualified professionals for specialist tasks. If these responsibilities are neglected, the production company may be held liable for resulting injuries.interruption.
Shared responsibility
The production company may be responsible for ensuring safety, but responsibility doesn’t rest solely with them.
People on set, whether cast or crew, are expected to follow established safety procedures, use equipment correctly and report any hazards. If an accident occurs because someone ignored safety guidance, liability may be shared.
Third parties and contractors
It’s not uncommon for third parties to be on set too.
Depending on the contracts and circumstances, responsibility might extend to external contractors, equipment suppliers or stunt coordinators if work that doesn’t meet required safety standards contributes to an accident.
What insurance should be in place?
Given the number of parties involved and the potential risks, having adequate insurance is vital.
Employers’ liability insurance is typically required to cover injuries to crew members, while public liability insurance can protect against claims from third parties.
Production insurance policies often combine multiple types of cover, helping to safeguard against financial loss if an incident disrupts filming.
Protect your set
Ultimately, responsibility for accidents on set depends on who failed to meet their duty of care and having comprehensive insurance is essential. However, there are also ways to prevent accidents happening in the first place.
Clear safety procedures and proper training will reduce the risks and protect everyone.
Talk to our friendly experts for more advice.
