Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/855802
11 The Local was informed a few weeks ago, that a 695 Boom Operator was injured on production after partici- pating in a series of exceptionally long camera takes. We need to be aware and protect our Brothers and Sisters from all unsafe working conditions. Production Mixers, please pay close attention to the working con- ditions of your crew, and speak up when it becomes unsafe, especially for our Boom Operators. Holding your arms above your head for an extended period of time without rest can cause many serious health issues. If production won't respond to your con- cerns, call the Local immediately and we will report the unsafe condition to the AMPTP/IATSE Joint Safety Committee and ask the Committee to visit the set. Safety is the concern of both the employer and the union. Article XXXI, pages 80-81 in the Producers-IATSE Basic Agreement is reprinted below: "It is agreed by the parties that too great an emphasis cannot be placed on the need to provide a safe working environment. In that context, it shall be incumbent on each employer (herein referred to as the Producer) to furnish employment and a place of employment which are safe and healthful for the employees therein; to furnish and use safety devices and safeguards, and adopt and use practices, means, methods, operations and processes which are reasonably adequate to render such employment and place of employment safe and healthful; to do every other thing reasonably neces- sary to protect the life, safety and health of employees. Correspondingly, no employer shall require or permit any employee to go or be in any employment or place of employment which is not safe and healthful. In addi- tion, every employer and every employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations and orders pursuant to applicable laws which are applicable to his/her own actions and con- duct; no person (employer or employee) shall remove, displace, damage, destroy or carry off any safety device, safeguard, notice or warning, furnished for the use in any employment or place of employment; no person shall interfere with the use of any method or process adopted for the protection of any employee, including his/herself, in such employment or place of employment. FROM THE BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE "Rigid observance of safety regulations must be adhered to and willful failure of any employee to follow safety rules and regulations can lead to disciplinary action, including discharge; how- ever, no employee shall be discharged or otherwise disci- plined for refusing to work on a job that exposes the individual to a clear and present danger to life or limb. No set of safety regulations, however, can comprehen- sively cover all possible unsafe practices of working. The Producer and the Union therefore, undertake to promote in every way possible the realization of the responsibil- ity of the individual employee with regard to preventing accidents to himself or his fellow employees." During the summer months, keep a close watch for signs of heatstroke; throbbing headache, dizziness or light- headedness, lack of sweating, red, hot and dry skin, muscle weakness or cramps, rapid heartbeat and rapid shallow breathing. If you observe these symptoms, get immediate help. Provide plenty of water and refrain from caffeinated drinks and sodas. There is an excellent Smart Phone App "OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool" that features real-time heat index and hourly forecasts, specific to your location, as well as occupational safety and health recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH. You can download at the Apple Store or from Google Play. At the end of every workday, we should go home to our families, safe and sound. Be informed and stay healthy. Fraternally, Scott Bernard scottb@local695.com Business Representative