Essential Safety & Operational Requirements for a Shoot
Here are practical items you must address:
Pre-Production (Before the Shoot)
- Register the production under the Safe Filming programme. For example, submit a “Production Registration Form” to FDCP at least 7 days prior to the first day of the shoot.
- Submit a “Health & Safety Commitment Declaration” signifying your production company’s commitment to OSH standards and that you’ll comply with relevant guidelines.
- Conduct a risk assessment for your production—identify hazards (on-location, studio, transport, weather, terrain, water, etc.), and plan controls.
- Obtain necessary permits (shoot location permits, local government, customs clearance for equipment, visa/work permit for foreign crew if needed) depending on location and scale.
- Make sure your call sheet (daily schedule) includes safety information: emergency contacts, nearest medical facility, on-set safety officer, high-risk items for the day, PPE required, weather/terrain alerts.
On-Set / Location Safety
- Appoint a designated Safety & Health Officer (or equivalent) responsible for overseeing safety protocols, first aid, incident reporting.
- Conduct a safety orientation for all cast/crew before work begins or when moving to a new location, covering the hazards, procedures, equipment, routes, exits.
- Maintain records: incident register (injuries/near misses), risk register, health declaration forms (especially in pandemic times) for crew.
- Ensure equipment is safely handled—heavy gear, rigs, drones (if used), location terrain (water, heights, jungle) must have safe access, fall protection, secure anchoring.
- Emergency preparedness: know how to evacuate, have a plan for medical emergencies, natural hazards (typhoons, floods, earthquakes), and communicate to all crew.
- Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed (helmets, harnesses, water/heat protection, sun protection) and ensure safe working hours (avoid fatigue).
- For remote or natural locations: consider transport safety (boats, off-road vehicles), weather/sea conditions, local wildlife, health risks (mosquitoes, tropical diseases), communication (satellite phone, radio).
Post-Production / Wrap-Up
- Ensure that any temporary structures (stages, rigs) are dismantled safely, exits cleared, waste removed, location restored (especially in natural sites).
- Conduct a post-shoot review: any incidents logged, corrective actions noted for future shoots.
- Maintain records for inspection by relevant authorities (FDCP / DOLE / DOH) if needed.
Specific Considerations in the Philippine Context
- The Philippines is an archipelago of thousands of islands; logistical and environmental risks (remote locations, sea/boat transport, tropical weather) are heightened. Use local fixers and local crews who know terrain and local regulations.
- Permitting: Even in Manila, you might need location-by-location permits from municipal/local government units. For remote or restricted islands additional approvals may apply.
- Customs and importation of equipment: bringing in large film gear may require customs letters, possibly bonded importation.
- Local labour laws apply: crew must be engaged in accordance with Philippine labour/OSH laws. The OSH law (RA 11058) applies to all establishments, including AV production workplaces.
- Weather & nature: Typhoon season (June–November) and tropical environment mean you must build in contingencies for weather delays, heavy rain, flooding, landslides.
- Local community / cultural considerations: When filming in local villages, natural parks, or indigenous areas, ensure you have local permissions, be culturally sensitive, ensure safety of cast/crew and respect local environment.
