✅ Best Practices Reminder for all actors on set:

Keep written records of unsafe incidents or communication.

Take photos and videos of unsafe communication or situations.

If possible, report concerns to a First AD, line producer, your union rep, or H&S officer on set.

Report any incidents to your agent immediately and provide documentation.

If you’re unionised, call your union rep immediately.

You have the right to refuse unsafe work without penalty.

Staying Safe on Set: Tips & Resources for Actors

1. Prioritize Physical Safety

• Always participate in safety briefings before filming starts.
• Know the location of emergency exits and first aid stations.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when required (e.g., harnesses, helmets).
• Follow stunt and action protocols exactly; never improvise dangerous moves.

2. Mental Health & Well-being

• Speak up if you feel unsafe, stressed, or overwhelmed.
• Access mental health resources provided by AACE or unions like SAG-AFTRA and ACTRA.
• Take regular breaks and stay hydrated, especially during long or outdoor shoots.
• Practice grounding techniques or mindfulness to manage on-set pressure.

3. Communication & Advocacy

• Maintain clear communication with the safety officer, director, and crew.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Understand your rights regarding safe working conditions and refuse unsafe work.
• Use AACE’s professional development resources to stay informed about best practices.

4. Training & Preparation

• Engage in AACE or industry-recognized safety training programs.
• Prepare physically for demanding roles to reduce injury risk.
• Stay updated on industry-wide safety guidelines and mental health initiatives.

🇨🇦 Canada – Staying Safe on Set Resources

1. Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CMPA)
   cmpa.ca
2. Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) – Ontario
   wsps.ca
3. British Columbia Film Commission – Safety
   creativebc.com

🇬🇧 UK – Staying Safe on Set Resources

1. British Film Commission – Health & Safety on Set
   britishfilmcommission.org.uk
2. UK Film & TV Safety Group
   ukfts.co.uk
3. British Safety Council
   britsafe.org

🔒 1. Equity (The UK Trade Union for Creative Practitioners)

Website: www.equity.org.uk

What they offer:

• Legal advice and representation
• Guidelines on health & safety, harassment, contracts, and working conditions
• Reporting support for bullying, harassment, discrimination, or unsafe work
• A 24/7 Harassment Helpline: 020 7670 0268

Joining Equity gives you access to protection, advice, and professional advocacy.

📢 2. Bectu (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union)

Website: www.bectu.org.uk

What they offer:

• Health & safety representation for crew and performers
• Campaigns to improve on-set conditions
• Whistleblowing and complaints support

Actors who also do behind-the-scenes work (e.g., actor-producers) may find Bectu helpful.

⚖️ 3. The Independent Standards Authority (ISA – in development)

Website: www.isa.org.uk

What they offer:

• Designed to handle complaints of bullying, harassment, and discrimination in the film/TV industry
• Will act independently of employers and unions
• Supported by major UK broadcasters and studios (launching soon)

🚨 4. Report Unsafe Work – HSE (Health and Safety Executive)

Website: www.hse.gov.uk

What they offer:

• A public body where anyone can report unsafe practices anonymously
• Direct investigation and enforcement of UK health & safety law

For serious breaches of safety or injury risk.

❤️ 5. The Film and TV Charity

Website: www.filmtvcharity.org.uk

What they offer:

• Support Line (24/7): 0800 054 0000
• Confidential emotional, financial, and mental health support
• Guidance for victims of bullying, trauma, or abuse on set
• Can connect you to counselling, legal help, and advocacy

📚 6. ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

Website: www.acas.org.uk

What they offer:

• Free and impartial advice on employment rights
• Help resolving workplace disputes
• Support for freelancers and self-employed workers navigating contracts

✍️ 7. Safe Sets UK & Intimacy Coordinators

Resources include:

• Safety checklists for working with intimacy or stunts
• Rights around consent, nudity, and physical contact
• Most professional UK sets now require an Intimacy Coordinator for scenes involving touch or simulated sex

🇺🇸 United States – Staying Safe on Set Resources

1. Entertainment Industry Safety Training (EIST)
   eist.org
2. Film Safety USA
   filmsafetyusa.com
3. Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
   sagaftra.org
4. Artist Community Alliance (ACA)
   • Provides resources promoting health, safety, and professional development for artists working in entertainment and creative industries.
   • Offers best practice guidelines, wellness programs, and advocacy on mental health and physical safety.
   • Website: artistcommunities.org