In every state and territory of Australia there is health and safety legislation that applies to all workplace practices. Whether you are a teacher, studio owner, community arts worker or artistic director, it is important to know about your responsibilities and legal obligations.
This information has been adapted from Safety Guidelines for the Entertainment Industry published by Australian Entertainment Industry Association (AEIA) and Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA). It is simplified and generalised, and is not intended as personal advice.
All employers, managers or organisations must:
- have policies and procedures that aim to protect the health and safety of all persons visiting or using the workplace
- ensure policies and procedures are documented and available to all employees and volunteers using the workplace
- undertake risk assessments to identify hazards and implement control measures
Roles and responsibilities
The work health and safety (WHS) of participants or students in class, rehearsal and performance is a shared responsibility involving teachers/leaders, visitors, business owners, venues and contractors. Anyone teaching dance must make sure that, as much as possible, their activities and equipment are not likely to result in damage, either physical or psychological, to themselves, to others or to their working environment.
Teachers must:
- work in a healthy and safe manner, and encourage others to do the same
- ensure they do not endanger any other person through any act or omission at work
- follow WHS policies and procedures of each particular workplace
- cooperate, consult on and promote WHS and welfare in the studio, classroom or performance space
- report and work to rectify (where possible) any hazards in the studio, classroom or performance space
- report any injuries or incidents to the senior teacher/business owner/venue operator as soon as possible after the incident
- ensure that all equipment is used correctly including first aid supplies
- ensure that they are not in a state that may endanger their own safety or the safety of any other person in the dance environment
- cooperate with any investigating authorities
An employer may contract certain WHS tasks but it remains their responsibility to:
- be aware of the legal obligations of WHS at all times.
- ensure that all teachers and volunteers are aware of hazards that may affect them, the students and other staff, and what risk control measures are in place for their protection.
- ensure that all employees are involved in developing a safe and healthy working environment through appropriate, mutually-agreed consultation processes, such as an WHS committee or WHS representatives.
- ensure that suitably qualified and competent employees are able to take care of the lesson, rehearsal or event, that they are aware of their responsibilities and willing to comply with all relevant legislation.
- ensure an emergency and evacuation plan is in place and clear to all.
Reporting accidents, injuries or incidents
If you, a participant or a student has an accident, gets injured or sick during a lesson, rehearsal or performance, no matter how slight, you should:
- report the incident to the senior teacher, business owner or venue manager and, if appropriate, to a parent of the student.
- record all details of the incident. An injuries register should be available to all teachers and employees.
- not disturb the scene of the accident unless you judge that it may jeopardise the safety of other people in the area.
- For incidents involving members of the public, an ‘incident form’ should be filled out by the senior teacher/business owner/venue manager.
- If you witness an accident, inform senior teacher/business owner/venue manager.
- If there is any dispute or problem, report the incident to the WHS committee or representative. If unresolved, or in the absence of a WHS committee or representative, refer to the relevant statutory authority such as WorkCover organisation for your state; for employers—MEAA; for employees—Live Performance Australia.
Safety induction
All employees and volunteers should be given an induction at each studio/space/classroom in which they will perform duties.
Inductions should include:
- location of safe access and exit points
- location of facilities and amenities
- location of WHS equipment including personal protective equipment
- identification of first aid and emergency equipment
- information about evacuation procedures
- recognition and use of fire extinguishers
- information about any crucial workplace-specific procedures
- location of Emergency Contacts and Procedures instructions
The business owner, senior teacher or venue manager must provide a list of emergency contact numbers and an outline of emergency procedures.
When telephoning for assistance during an emergency, state:
- that it is an emergency
- your name and exact location
- as much detail as possible about the accident or situation.
And make sure that the information has been received correctly and will be acted upon immediately.
Risk assessment
Employers and teachers should do a risk assessment, considering every aspect of a dance lesson, rehearsal or performance, and every person involved. It is good practice to document any risks identified and the agreed measures for eliminating or decreasing any risk.
If an identified risk or hazard cannot be eliminated or removed:
- substitute a less hazardous activity/object/substance
- minimise the hazard through re-design
- rearrange the activity/training to reduce exposure/risk
- use personal protective equipment/clothing (e.g. knee pads, ankle strap).
A teacher or choreographer should know which exercises or movements are safe to teach and which are potentially harmful, particularly if a student is suffering from an injury, a health issue or is at particularly vulnerable stage of physical or psychological development. It is good practice for teachers to ask their students if there are any injuries they should be aware of before a class commences.
Teachers need to be aware of a range of potential risk factors:
- Has there been adequate warming up time?
- Has the participant or student had sufficient training to undertake a particular movement?
- Is this exercise or movement potentially harmful?
- How many times has the participant or student executed the movement?
- Have there been adequate rest/drink breaks?
- Is the environment safe/suitable?
If you are working in a potentially dangerous place (e.g. outside or in an unfamiliar environment) and you are concerned, you should ask if a risk assessment has been undertaken. If the company or organisation refuses to do one, or to voluntarily disclose the results, you should contact your WHS committee or representative, or the relevant statutory authority.
Work time
Legislation governs the maximum amount of time that employees are required to work, although it is subject to exceptions.
There are minimum requirements 1 for working hours and rest breaks, which can be especially relevant if you are rehearsing or touring:
- a maximum working week of 38 hours per week (from 01/01/2010)—you may be asked to waive your right—if you refuse you can't be sacked.
- a minimum of forty-eight hours' rest every fortnight
- a minimum twenty-minute rest break every six hours
- a minimum of eleven consecutive hours' rest every day
- a minimum of four weeks paid holiday for all employees once they have completed thirteen weeks of service.
As well as employing risk-management procedures, teachers of dance must:
- include appropriate warm-up and warm-down activities
- adapt the exercises or activities to match students’ age, strength, flexibility and coordination
- ensure that the floor is ‘area elastic’ and does not present unnecessary risks
- check that the space is clean and clear of obstacles (especially electrical ones)
- ensure adequate ventilation and temperatures that are within the recommendations.
In dance classes or rehearsals, the potential for injury tends to increase:
- during sessions in which students experiment with movement that requires a high degree of control, strength or coordination (e.g. lifts, jumps).
- when students are tired, stressed or ill.
- if the floor or floor surface is substandard.
- if a student is wearing jewellery.
- if a student is chewing gum or food.
- if the space is insufficient for the number of students.
- when students have been over-worked.
- when wearing loose clothing, incorrect shoes or using unsuitable props.
Checklist
- know the safety aspects of your studio/classroom/workplace
- observe all warning signs and instructions
- observe restrictions on smoking, alcohol and other drugs
- ensure you have read and understood the safety induction information you have been given
- only use equipment you are authorised and competent to use
- wear and use appropriate clothing, footwear and safety equipment
- take appropriate measures in emergencies
- ensure first aid is provided promptly
- report all incidents, injuries and other emergencies
- be aware of any disability, injury or any other factors that may affect the capacity of students or yourself, and implement appropriate modifications
- strictly observe policies regarding children and your role in the absence of parents i.e. Duty of Care
- understand that wilful damage to equipment and disobeying health and safety regulations could result in grounds for dismissal
- understand that communication is important—between students, parents, colleagues, senior staff
Good management and risk planning will reduce incidents in the dance studio and workplace.
More information
- Safe Work Australia
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
- Workplace Standards Tasmania
- SafeWork SA
- WorkSafe ACT
- WorkCover NSW
- WorkSafe Victoria
- WorkSafe WA
- WorkSafe NT
- Standards Australia
Acknowledgements
- Safety Guidelines for the Entertainment Industry by AEIA and MEAA
- WorkCover NSW
- Your Body Your Risk Pub. Dance UK, 2001