Risk Assessments.

A risk assessment form needs to be completed whenever filming on a location. It needs to include details of the production name and number, the shooting date(s), the production manager and the producer of the film.

There should be a table of 32 rows - one for every possible risk on set. These risks range from alcohol and animals to stunts, radiation and weapons. The next column needs to show whether the risks are present or not, and if they are not, the rest of the columns for that row do not need to be filled out.

The second column rates the severity of each risk, with the scale being from negligible, low risk, moderate risk, severe and very severe. The third column then needs to be the likelihood that this risk would appear, and is on a scale of very unlikely, unlikely, possible, likely and very likely.

The last column then needs to be the risk factor of the hazard, and can be worked out by using a table stating the risk factors that are determined by a combination of the severity of the hazard, and the likeliness of it. For example, a hazard that is very unlikely to happen, and is also negligible would be a risk factor of 1, whereas a hazard that is very likely to appear, and is also very severe would be a 5, and different actions would need to be taken for each of the different scale of risk factors.

A risk factor of 5 would mean that the hazard is very severe, and immediate action would need to be taken, whilst a risk factor of 4 would be severe, and the action would need to be high priority on set. Meanwhile, a risk of 3 would only be a moderate risk, and a programme for action would need to be drawn up. However, a risk factor of 2 would only be a low risk, though action may be required, and a risk of 1 would probably be acceptable on set.

Each risk identified would need to be listed later on in the form. The hazard number would need to be stated at first, and then a description of this hazard. The person(s) exposed to this hazard should be listed - for example, the cast/crew, outside company or the public, whilst action to take should also be described. The person or company responsible for this action taking place should be mentioned on the form.

Then finally, the exposed person(s) should be informed of the risks, and the actions taking place to prevent accidents and injuries, and it should also be stated whether or not they were informed. It should be mentioned whether this agreed action was actually taken or not, as well as if the risk was removed. The person who completed this form should finish with their name, signature, date and the position that they hold within the production.