Bectu and UK Theatre unveil updated code of conduct to promote safe working in theatre production
Bectu and UK Theatre (UKT) have launched an updated version of their Code of Conduct (Get-ins, Fit-ups & Get-outs), which sets safety standards for theatre production activities. The code of conduct promotes and encourages safe working by all those involved in theatre production and has been approved by the UK Government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Bectu and UKT created the original code of conduct following a serious accident during the un-loading of stage flooring from the back of a wagon. The new code of conduct, updated for 2022, was launched at an Association of British Theatre Technicians Show panel event last week following an extended period of union and employer consultation. The panel comprised Phill Brown (UKT), Stu Graham (Ambassador Theatre Group), Olly Brown (Hull Truck), Paul Seed (Trafalgar Entertainment), Dave Guy (Nottingham Theatre Royal) and Doug McGill (Bectu).
This code of conduct sets minimum standards to ensure safety for all get-ins (moving set, props and other hardware into a theatre prior to the fit-up) and get-outs (clearing up of all items used for a theatre production). It also suggests best practice to be adopted wherever practicable.
The code of conduct aims to:
- Improve management of work activities from start to finish
- Employ the right people for the work activities involved
- Provide the correct information and assessments of the work activities
- Communicate and engage with everyone about risks and how they are being controlled
- Implement co-operation and co-ordination throughout the work activities
- Reduce accidents and injuries and down time to investigate incidents
- Improve the overall industry working practices and wellbeing
Bectu believes the code of conduct represents a benchmark of best practice within technical theatre to protect the safety and well-being of employees for both the resident and production management, setting minimum standards to ensure safety during production activities.
Bectu Organising Official, Doug McGill, said: “Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment and our members’ safety and wellbeing is paramount. We’re pleased to launch this new code of conduct, and to have the backing of the HSE, to help give theatre workers the confidence that risks are being monitored and minimised and their safety prioritised as they carry out their jobs.
“It also gives employers guidance and best practice examples to help them ensure their workplaces are as safe as possible.”
UKT’s Phill Brown said: “The updated Code of Conduct has taken longer to launch than hoped but if fully adopted by venues and visiting productions we should see improvements in working conditions, helping to make our industry safer and healthier. A new feature of the code will be monitoring of incidents which will be reported to the union/management-led Theatre Safety Committee. This will add a further level of governance to reduce work related issues on the touring circuit.”
The Code of Conduct can be accessed here.