It’s easy to associate the film and music industries with creativity and excitement, but behind the scenes, these sectors carry very real occupational risks. Whether it’s a stunt gone wrong on a film set or repetitive strain from long hours of rehearsals, injuries are more common than many might assume. Despite their visibility and cultural impact, the entertainment industries often fly under the radar when it comes to workplace safety discussions.
For those working in these environments, understanding the systems in place to support injured workers is essential. Many performers, crew members, and technicians operate on short-term contracts or as freelancers, making access to compensation and support more complex. Navigating workplace claims in these industries can be challenging, particularly when employment arrangements are unclear or fragmented. This article takes a closer look at the realities of on-the-job injuries in Australia’s creative sectors and what’s being done to improve safety and support for those who keep the cameras rolling and the music playing.
Real Risks Behind the Curtain
The film and music industries blend artistry with inherent dangers. The risks involved are real and can have lasting consequences.
Film Sector Hazards
Stunt-related accidents are perhaps the most visible risk, frequently involving falls and collisions. However, beyond the orchestrated chaos of stunts, equipment-related injuries are surprisingly common. Heavy lights, intricate rigging, and complex set pieces all pose significant threats if not handled correctly. The dangers don’t end there. On-location environmental risks are also ever-present. Australian film shoots, in particular, may involve encounters with wildlife and unpredictable weather conditions, adding another layer of complexity to safety protocols.
In 2017, Johnny Depp, the star of Pirates of the Caribbean, was injured on set in Australia, requiring surgery in the US. While widely reported, such incidents are rarely examined for their root causes. More recently, an investigation by the MEAA after a near-miss involving a falling lighting rig on a Sydney set in 2022 revealed inadequate safety checks and troubling communication breakdowns.
Music Industry Risks
The music industry presents its own unique set of challenges. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) are a significant concern for musicians who spend hours practicing and performing. Hearing loss from exposure to high decibel levels is another major and often overlooked threat. Stage rigging accidents, while less frequent, can lead to devastating injuries. Furthermore, the demanding nature of the industry often contributes to mental health issues, leading to increased stress and fatigue, which can further compromise safety. A 2020 Music Makers Research study indicated that supporting inclusivity for Deaf and Disabled people enhances injury prevention by creating a safer and more considerate environment for everyone.
One example of this occurred when a lighting technician suffered severe burns during a live concert due to faulty electrical equipment, as reported by the MEAA.
The Legal and Regulatory Framework in Australia
What legal protections are in place for workers in these demanding industries? Australia has the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, an overarching framework designed to ensure workplace safety for everyone.
These laws apply across a wide range of industries, but the creative sector presents unique challenges. Safe Work Australia sets national standards, and state-based agencies like WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW are responsible for enforcement. Unions, such as the MEAA, play a vital role in advocating for workers’ rights and safety.
The coverage of freelancers and gig workers under workers’ compensation is a particularly complex issue. While employees are generally covered, the prevalence of short-term contracts and the frequent classification of workers as independent contractors create significant grey areas. This leaves many creative professionals vulnerable and without adequate protection in the event of an injury. A legal expert would likely highlight the existing gaps in protection for these individuals.
Prevention and Protection: Industry Practices
What specific safety protocols are typically in place on film sets and in music venues? Are there dedicated safety coordinators overseeing productions? Is comprehensive training provided to workers before shoots or stage setups?
The presence and effectiveness of safety measures vary considerably. Major studio productions tend to have greater resources dedicated to safety, while smaller, independent projects may be tempted to cut corners. While technology has advanced, offering safer stunt coordination methods and improved hearing protection gear, these advancements are not always universally adopted.
Short-term contracts and tight production schedules can also increase risks. Creatives may feel pressured to prioritize the project’s completion over their own safety and well-being. A positive safety culture is essential; people need to feel empowered to speak up about unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal. Tight budgets can also have a detrimental effect on safety standards.
Case Study: Sarah’s Story
Consider Sarah, a talented touring musician who developed severe tendinitis after years of playing bass guitar. She initially ignored the persistent wrist and forearm pain, dismissing it as “just part of the job.” As the pain intensified, she found it increasingly difficult to hold her instrument.
Eventually, Sarah consulted a doctor, who diagnosed her with RSI and advised her to take time off to recover. However, as a freelancer, Sarah lacked access to paid sick leave or workers’ compensation. Forced to cancel gigs, she suffered a significant loss of income and struggled to cover her mounting medical bills.
Sarah’s case starkly highlights the vulnerabilities faced by freelance musicians. Her lack of awareness about RSI prevention, inadequate access to breaks during performances, and the absence of proper insurance all contributed to her predicament. While she eventually adjusted her playing style and sought physiotherapy to manage her condition, the financial and emotional toll was significant. According to a 2023 report by Entertainment Assist, musicians are three times more likely to experience mental health issues than the general population, further compounding the risk of physical injuries and overall well-being.
The Freelance and Gig Economy Grey Area
A significant portion of the workforce in the film and music industries consists of short-term contractors or freelancers. This widespread practice often results in gaps in insurance coverage and limited access to crucial benefits such as injury leave or compensation.
Reporting injuries can also be particularly challenging in a multi-employer environment, where workers may be employed by different companies on a single project. Determining who is ultimately responsible when an accident occurs on a film shoot involving several production companies becomes a complex legal question.
Legal advocates and unions are actively working to improve protection for this vulnerable segment of the workforce. They are pushing for clearer guidelines, better access to insurance, and stronger enforcement of existing safety standards. In a recent submission to the Senate Inquiry on the Future of Work, the MEAA called for the implementation of portable benefits schemes that would provide freelancers with access to essential benefits such as sick leave and injury compensation.
Improving the Script: Industry Recommendations
How can we rewrite the script and create safer, more supportive workplaces in the film and music industries?
Here are some actionable recommendations:
- For employers/producers: Standardize safety guidelines across all productions, conduct thorough and regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards, and provide comprehensive training to all workers. Implement mandatory “toolbox talks” before each shift to discuss potential risks and reinforce safe work practices.
- For workers: Be aware of your rights under the WHS Act, report any unsafe conditions or practices to your supervisor or union representative, and seek support from organizations like the MEAA if you experience any issues. Utilize anonymous reporting mechanisms if you fear reprisal for speaking out.
- For regulators: Close the existing coverage gaps for freelancers and gig workers, invest in more comprehensive data collection to better understand the prevalence and causes of workplace injuries in the creative industries, and rigorously enforce existing safety standards. Increase funding for proactive inspections of film sets and music venues to ensure compliance.
As stated by a former WorkSafe NSW inspector, “The biggest challenge is getting smaller production companies to take safety seriously. They often see it as an unnecessary expense, rather than an investment in their workers’ well-being.”
Expert Insights
“The key to improving safety in the film and music industries is a fundamental shift in culture,” says Jane Fonda, a veteran stunt coordinator with over 20 years of experience. “We need to move away from the ingrained ‘she’ll be right’ attitude and embrace a proactive, risk-aware approach to risk management at all levels.”
Dr. Michael Green, an audiologist specializing in musicians’ hearing health, adds, “Hearing loss is preventable, but musicians often don’t take it seriously until it’s too late. Regular hearing tests and the consistent use of custom-fitted earplugs are absolutely essential for preserving their hearing health.”
Conclusion
Safeguarding creative professionals from on-the-job injuries is not simply a matter of compliance; it’s a fundamental necessity. It’s time to make safety a genuine priority behind the scenes, ensuring that the well-being of those who bring us joy and entertainment is valued and protected. In February 2024, the Victorian government announced a significant $2 million investment in mental health support for the music industry, recognizing the crucial link between mental well-being and physical safety.
Ultimately, we must collectively advocate for increased awareness, greater accountability, and systematic reform across the film and music industries. By working together, we can ensure that everyone involved in creating the magic of film and music can do so without risking their health and well-being. The show must go on – safely.
