IATSE TTF: OSHA 10/GES© Training

Passion is often cited as the force that drives workers in the entertainment industry. Much time and expertise are dedicated to each project; every late night; every eighteen-hour day; every missed holiday can be chalked up to the love of the craft. But while workers in the entertainment industry often sacrifice so much for their jobs, one thing they should never have to sacrifice is their own wellbeing.

All workers—both new and experienced—should be aware of the potential health and safety hazards at their job. Providing workers with educational programs, such as OSHA Outreach Training, is a crucial first step to strengthening safety awareness in the workplace.

In entertainment, unconventional practices that are unique to the industry can make it especially hard for workers to be aware of every potential danger in their workplace. That is why in 2014, the IATSE Training Trust Fund developed the OSHA 10/General Entertainment Safety© course, an industry-specific variation of OSHA’s 10-hour General Industry outreach training program. Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment. Workers in all occupations must understand that it is their right to be provided with a safe space to work.

Education is at the core of implementing positive safety changes at work. Lives can change within the blink of an eye, and just one mishap can lead to a devastating accident. Workers must have the tools available to spot potential safety hazards before it is too late. The OSHA 10/GES© training offered by the IATSE Training Trust Fund is a perfect stepping stone to promote safety education.

OSHA 10/GES© is a two-day training that combines entertainment industry knowledge with OSHA standards, laws, and regulations to teach workers about common safety issues. Similar to other OSHA Outreach Trainings, OSHA 10/GES© conforms to strict OSHA standards. The IATSE TTF-designed OSHA 10/GES© is different than other OSHA 10 General Industry courses because it was crafted with entertainment industry workers in mind. Our OSHA Outreach trainers are IATSE members who have years of experience working in the craft, and they tailor the training to each unique audience. The training also features examples and case studies that are relevant to all crafts.

OSHA 10/GES© is a one-of-a-kind tool that teaches workers in the entertainment industry how to be proactive and vigilant in their workplace, and, ultimately, save lives.

IATSE Employers and Local unions may request the OSHA 10/GES© training through the IATSE Entertainment & Exhibition Industries Training Trust Fund website by following this link.

Alan-Rowe-canvas.jpgIndividual workers working under an IATSE agreement also may be eligible to attend. The OSHA 10/GES© trainings sponsored directly by the TTF in various cities throughout the year are free of charge (flight, hotel, and food expenses not included). If you would like to apply for upcoming an OSHA 10/GES© course, please follow this link.

Alan Rowe is the president and safety & training Director for IATSE Local 728, Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians in Burbank, CA. He develops and manages over 100 separate training classes for Local 728, with over 30 different instructors. In addition, Rowe serves as chair for the Subject Matter Experts for the ECTP Entertainment Electrician and Portable Power Distribution Technician Certification exams, sits on the ESTA Board of Directors and Technical Standards Council, is a member of the Motion Picture/Television Industry Wide Safety Committee, and is seated on NFPA's National Electrical Code Making Panel 15. He has broad experience in the entertainment industry spent years working in the theater and rock and roll aspects of our industry prior to moving into the motion picture industry. In June 2013, Rowe was appointed to Chair the IATSE Crafts Advancement Program by International President Matthew Loeb. He holds degrees from the North Carolina School of the Arts (BFA) and the California Institute of the Arts (MFA).