Set construction image courtesy Wikimedia, CC by attribution, photographer KeepOnTruckin, own work.
Perched high above the stage, a technician rigging theatrical lighting up in the fly loft may have as the next task to suspend a painted background set that drops to the floor when cued by the show's director.
This is a profession where the built-in risks are easy to recognize.
Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has signed into law Assembly Bill 190 that requires workers—such as the theater technician—to complete a safety course taught by a certified trainer.
“This new requirement is meant to protect workers from accidents and injuries in a career field that has been long overlooked,” said Scott Alquist, Program Manager of the TMCC Safety Center. “The 10-hour worker course and the 30-hour supervisor course will provide information and assist people in working in as safe of an environment as possible.”
The two courses are general industry safety and health hazard recognition and prevention trainings developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
- OSHA 10-hour safety and health general industry course, non-supervisory employee
- OSHA 30-hour safety and health general industry course, supervisory employee
TMCC’s Safety Center offers both the required courses.
“The Safety Center offers the courses for the public, but can also provide on-site training that applies to the needs of the specific environment,” Alquist added. “Whether that be at a casino, a convention center, or even on-location at a remote movie filming set.”
Other workers that may need to take an OSHA safety course include the following:
- Wardrobe, hair and makeup professionals
- Audio, camera, projection, video or lighting equipment staff
- Filmmakers and photographers
- Broadcast technicians and videographers
- Sporting event staff
- Other professionals that work in conjunction with production categories above
The New Nevada Law is Broad
“The new mandate affects entertainment in casinos, trade shows, lounge acts, performing arts and even the movie-making industry,” Alquist said. “Stagehands, set builders, those that erect and dismantle stages and props are just a few of the many trades covered under this new requirement.”
The law also applies to professionals who work at sites including sound stages, showrooms, arenas, and remote sites of a movie or television production.
New employees in these occupations will need to complete the applicable safety and health general industry course within 15 days of hire. The requirement does not apply to volunteers—anyone working on the site who is not paid.
Safety Training Courses
OSHA certifies trainers at approved sites for instruction.
Trainers of OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour courses are authorized after they have successfully completed the OSHA 511, and then the OSHA 501 Trainer Course for General Industry. They receive an OSHA trainer card signifying their certification to teach the courses.
For more information about OSHA safety courses, please contact the TMCC Safety Center at 775-857-4958.