The absolute best approach to ensuring a safe workplace is to do a risk assessment of all elements in advance and address foreseeable hazards up front. In other words: don’t wait until it becomes a hazard—prevent it from being one in the first place.
Health & Safety Checklist
General (all spaces, including audition spaces)
Rehearsal Spaces (including onstage rehearsals)
Dressing Rooms (and green room, if any)
Access to Stage
Stage / Backstage
Booth (or calling area)
Tours
Equity’s agreements recognise that in some touring situations, where performances take place in a facility other than a theatre, total compliance with non-legislated requirements may not be possible. In these cases, the stage manager, deputy and theatre management shall jointly consult and work to ensure that any shortcoming does not pose a hazard to the artists.
Actions to take in the case of a threat
There is no acceptable reason for requiring that “the show must go on”. If you encounter something or something happens that puts you or the other artists at risk, act promptly to address the situation and make it safe!
Where there is an immediate and unavoidable hazard or threat to safety
Where there is a foreseeable hazard
Where an Engager refuses or is unable to address a recognisable hazard
Call your Equity business rep—this is the kind of assistance they’re expected to provide. Equity staff have a right to inspect any workplace and are familiar with legislative and contractual requirements.