Posted By Steven John Nelson
I don't work within entertainment sector, but........we occupy premises (eg community centres), and recently -the day the WAH Regs 2005 came into force- had a member of the public fall off one of our stages, which was approx 1.5m high, resulting in a broken neck.
It appears reasonable to me that we should put risk controls in place to better manage (ie prevent &/or minmise consequences of) falls off our stages. I intend recomending the use of crash mats or similar (eg inflatable crash matting) to mitigate the consequences if someone falls off the edge of the stage. However, I have never seen crash mats along/underneath edge of stages, and am therefore concerned that I may be "over-reacting" (ie I'll be asking little boys playing conkers to wear safety goggles next!)

Has anyone got any views &/or expereinces they could share in relation to managing falls off stages ?

Posted By Kenny McGillivray
Steven

Why was a member of the public up on your stage in the first place or am I missing a point somewhere.

Reasonably practicable measures should be in place based on your risk assessment to prevent anyone from falling of your stage.

I think you may find your organisation up to its neck in conkers when this unfortunate individual has time to think about this.

I certainly would be puting some strict controls in place to stop anyone other than personnel who need to be up on stage being there and if crash matting is needed then don't be afraid to go ahead and do it

What price a broken neck!!

Kenny

Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Steven

I was thinking of a low kerb, like stop blocks to prevent vehicles approaching the edge of an excavation, some distance back from the edge of the stage rather than something tall enough to block the view.

Paul

Posted By Mark Jacobs
Whilst not strictly from the entertainment sector iIwork in an environment where we hold fashion shows. This involves a 20 metre catwalk at a height of approximately 1.5 metres high. Models walk the whole length of the catwalk often in high heels and little else.
Viewers sit all along the catwalk and would be injured if someone were to fall from the stage. I am sure some attend in the hope this will happen.

A specialist company was employed to construct the catwalk. When asked if it was customary to highlight the edge of the stage with white tape (as they do at concerts) they said that they are experienced at these events and until I raised the issue had never been asked to do so.

Whilst the use of matting and inflatable cushions is admirable how practical is it?

I have never seen such measures in place. How do you stop actors falling into the orchestra pit? How do you protect those who are in the pit?. What about pole dancers? - we have also held events where these have been hired.

I think the edging would satisfy the asfarp criteria. I await the deluge.

I would also welcome comment from an entertainment specialist.