First Aid Requirements of the Film Industry in British Columbia

The film and television industry is a cornerstone of British Columbia’s creative economy, with productions of all sizes taking place throughout the province. From the bustling streets of Vancouver to the remote, breathtaking landscapes of the interior, a film set is a dynamic and often unpredictable workplace. To ensure the safety of its workers, the industry is subject to the comprehensive occupational health and safety regulations of WorkSafeBC. For film and television, providing adequate first aid is not a suggestion—it’s a legal obligation that requires careful planning and execution.

The Foundation: The First Aid Assessment

The starting point for every production, regardless of its size or location, is a written First Aid Assessment. This is a critical process mandated by WorkSafeBC to determine the minimum level of first aid services required for a specific workplace. For the film industry, this assessment is particularly important because the “workplace” is constantly changing. A production may have a hundred crew members in a studio one day and a small stunt team on a mountain top the next. The assessment must be conducted in consultation with workers and consider several key factors:

• Number of Workers: The first aid provisions must be based on the maximum number of people on set at any given time. This includes cast, crew, and any other personnel present.
• Workplace Hazard Rating: While the motion picture industry is generally assigned a moderate hazard rating, WorkSafeBC recognizes that specific activities can be high-hazard. Stunt work, pyrotechnics, special effects, and working with heavy machinery or at heights all increase the risk level and, therefore, the required level of first aid.
• Remoteness and Accessibility: This is arguably the most significant factor for film and television production in B.C. If a set is in a remote location where a BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) ambulance would take more than 30 minutes to arrive, the first aid requirements are heightened dramatically. This is a common scenario for productions that film outside of urban centers, and it is here that a mobile and fully-equipped first aid solution becomes essential.

The results of this assessment directly dictate the level of first aid attendant, equipment, and facilities required for the production.

The Role of the First Aid Attendant

The first aid attendant is a critical position on any film set. WorkSafeBC requires that this individual hold a valid certification recognized by the Board. The specific level of certification required—Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced First Aid (formerly known as Occupational First Aid Level 1, 2, or 3)—is determined by the First Aid Assessment.

• Basic First Aid (OFA Level 1): This level of certification is often sufficient for small crews in a low-hazard, non-remote location.
• Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2): For most film sets, which are classified as moderate hazard, an Intermediate First Aid attendant is typically required.
• Advanced First Aid (OFA Level 3): This is the highest level of occupational first aid and is mandated for high-hazard or remote locations. An Advanced First Aid attendant is trained to manage serious trauma, use advanced medical equipment, and provide extended care while awaiting transport.

For remote locations, WorkSafeBC may also require a Transportation Endorsement in addition to the first aid certificate, which qualifies the attendant to safely and effectively transport an injured worker. A key WorkSafeBC directive is that an attendant must be immediately available to respond, meaning they cannot be assigned other duties that would interfere with their ability to provide first aid without delay.

Equipment and Facilities: Beyond the Basic Kit

The equipment and facilities required on a film set go far beyond a simple first aid kit. The specific requirements are detailed in WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Schedule 3-A. For many productions, a fully-equipped first aid trailer or Mobile Treatment Centre (MTC) is the ideal solution. These facilities serve as:

• A Dedicated First Aid Room: A first aid trailer provides a clean, private, and climate-controlled space for an attendant to assess and treat an injured worker. This is crucial for maintaining hygiene and providing professional care, especially in environments where dust, dirt, or extreme weather are factors.
• Comprehensive Equipment: The trailer must be stocked with all the necessary supplies for the required level of first aid. For high-hazard or remote sets, this can include a stretcher, backboards, splints, bandages, and a full oxygen therapy unit. For a production with a large crew, the quantity of supplies must be sufficient to treat multiple people if necessary.
• Emergency Transportation: For remote film shoots, the ability to transport an injured worker to a hospital or to a BCEHS rendezvous point is non-negotiable. A first aid trailer, often mounted on a suitable vehicle, fulfills this requirement by providing a safe and stable environment for a patient during transport over rough terrain.

Communication and Procedures

WorkSafeBC also requires that a production have clear and up-to-date procedures for first aid. This includes:

• Communication Systems: The first aid attendant must have a reliable way to communicate with other workers and to call for emergency services. On a remote set, this might involve a two-way radio, satellite phone, or other communication device.
• Posting Information: The location of the first aid facilities, equipment, and the contact information for the attendant must be clearly posted throughout the set, and all cast and crew must be informed of the procedures during their safety orientation.
• Record-Keeping: Every injury and exposure, no matter how minor, must be recorded by the first aid attendant in a first aid record book. These records are vital for tracking workplace incidents and must be kept for at least three years.

The Role of Actsafe Safety Association

While WorkSafeBC sets the legal requirements, organizations like the Actsafe Safety Association play a crucial role in supporting the B.C. film industry. As a not-for-profit health and safety association, Actsafe provides industry-specific resources, training, and guidance to help productions navigate these regulations. They offer courses, workshops, and a library of safety bulletins that are invaluable for supervisors, producers, and crew members in understanding and implementing a robust safety program.

In conclusion, first aid on a film set in British Columbia is a complex but essential element of a safe and compliant production. By conducting a thorough First Aid Assessment, hiring appropriately certified attendants, providing the right equipment and facilities (such as a first aid trailer for remote locations), and establishing clear communication and procedures, a production company can ensure the well-being of its cast and crew. In an industry where a production’s success is built on teamwork and trust, a strong commitment to first aid is the ultimate signal that worker safety is the top priority.

We provide first aid trailers to a variety of industries in Vancouver and around BC, including mining, construction, government, and the film industry. Contact us today to see how we can provide a cost-effective solution to your business requirements.