We take a practical, film-friendly approach to risk: plan clearly, brief well, and adjust fast on the day. This page explains how we assess and control risk in our office, on set, and on location. Project-specific RAMS (Risk Assessment & Method Statement) are available on request.

Last reviewed: 16 Oct 2025
Next review: 1 Jan 2026
Contact: ed@herenow.film

How we assess risk

We use a simple likelihood × severity matrix and apply controls using the hierarchy of control (eliminate → substitute → engineer → admin → PPE). For changing environments (most shoots), we also complete a dynamic risk assessment on the day.

Matrix (qualitative):

• Likelihood: Rare (1) to Very Likely (5)
• Severity: Trivial (1) to Severe (5)
• Risk rating = L × S → Low (1–4), Medium (5–9), High (10–16), Intolerable (17–25)

Where we apply it

• Office & Post-production (Newquay): DSE/ergonomics, slips/trips, electrics, fire safety, welfare.
• On-location / Studio: access/egress, vehicles, public interface, lighting/rigging, power distribution, weather, noise, manual handling, night work.
• Travel: journey planning, fatigue management, load-in/out, parking and permits.

Roles & responsibilities

• Managing Director: overall responsibility for H&S and resources.
• Producer / Project Lead: owns the RAMS; runs the pre-shoot briefing/toolbox talk; ensures venue rules are integrated.
• Crew & Contractors: follow RAMS, report hazards/near-misses, stop work if unsafe.
• Work-experience supervisors: enhanced supervision and age-appropriate tasks (no lone working, no hazardous equipment).

Our process (end-to-end)

1. Pre-production planning
   • Identify activities, people at risk (crew, contributors, public), and locations.
   • Draft RAMS and share with client/venue if required.
2. Briefing & induction
   • On the day: site walk, emergency info (exits, alarms, first aid), roles, comms.
   • Toolbox talk for new hazards or last-minute changes.
3. Dynamic risk assessment
   • Adjust controls for weather, public footfall, space constraints, new kit, or schedule changes.
   • If risk cannot be controlled to “Low/Medium,” we don’t proceed with that activity.
4. Close-out & learning
   • Log incidents/near-misses, update templates, and feed improvements into future shoots.

Typical hazards & controls (examples)

• Slips/trips/cables → cable mats, tidy routes, cones/signage, clear walkways.
• Manual handling (cases/stands) → team lifts or trolleys; set load limits; brief technique.
• Electrical safety → PAT-checked kit, visual checks, dry zones, RCDs, no DIY repairs.
• Lighting & heat → exclusion zones, gloves, cool-down before moving, no unsupervised handling.
• Working at height → minimise; use competent crew only; no ladders/platforms for non-crew or students.
• Traffic & public interface → marshals, barriers, permissions, safe pedestrian routes.
• Noise → distance, exposure time limits, hearing protection if required.
• Weather → shelters, wet-weather plans, wind limits for stands/flags, secure ballast.
• Data & privacy → consent where applicable, secure handling of media/cards, no open client data.
• Young persons → two-adult supervision, no hazardous tasks, no lone working, age-appropriate hours.

Young persons & safeguarding

When we host students, we apply enhanced controls: no hazardous equipment, two-adult rule, open-plan working where possible, and clear escalation to a school contact. See Work Experience & Safeguarding for details.

What venues/clients receive

• Project-specific RAMS (PDF) with named responsible person, activity-based controls, emergency info, and contact details.
• Evidence of Insurance (redacted) on request (or from our Insurance & Compliance page).
• Any venue-specific addenda (e.g., studio house rules, permit conditions).

Request RAMS: email ed@herenow.film with project name, dates, location(s), and any venue requirements.

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Related pages:

• Work Experience & Safeguarding (/policies/work-experience)
• Health & Safety Policy (/policies/health-and-safety)
• Insurance & Compliance (/policies/insurance)