Do your homework always compare apples to apples. Predict if it can go wrong it will and preplan for the event. Use the resources you have and rely on their experiences.

Every set is different and requires different risk assessments. In the hustle of getting ready to shoot, it is easy to neglect risk assessement, but a good unit production manager always remembers to keep their people safe. First, make sure to choose locations that have easy access for emergency personnel, and draw up an evacuation plan in case of fire or if someone gets injured. Most locations provide this, but not all do. Be vigilant. Ask each crewmember about any health issues they wish to tell you about. They are NOT REQUIRED to tell you anything, but if they choose to, it is valuable to know. If you can hire a medic, do it. If you cannot afford one, take First Aid training. The American Red Cross offers certification classes online.

There is nothing like a well trained team. Training does not occur overnight, it takes many many repetitions over long periods of time. Make sure every member of the team is cross trained and can take over a leadership role. Train for multiple contingencies not just one event. If things go wrong you need a plan B, C,D, and E; and the training and means to execute any of your contingency plans.

Conventional approaches don’t work. Train your team by building a team of people who question then do. Leaders often resent people who question. All the other things on this list can be accomplished by assembling a team that asks why.

People scoff at safety inspectors and safety meetings, but remember that each regulation and guideline is written in blood. Someone in the past has been injured or killed because they did not follow those guidelines. Your production insurance will also provide you with guidelines you must follow. If someone is injured on set because you did not follow those guidelines, they may not pay out. Begin every shoot day with a safety meeting, and make sure the safety personnel on set, including the armorer, the medic, stunt coordinators, all have a chance to review the day plan and give their own speech to the cast and crew. They'll notice things about the day schedule that are dangerous, and they'll make sure everyone is aware and vigilant.

You must build step one so you have a contingency plan in place to address any potential changes or disruptions? This is because one of you team asked “what if there is new strain of COVID and we need to finish?

Use trainers that have a broad perspective and are willing to customize your trainings. Outside companies are generally good at recognizing local codes and or regulations.

Not sure about “train your team” yes coach them, yes guide them to achieve your desired results. But the work place in the middle of a job is not the time or place to train them.

When it comes to safety equipment to many companies skimp on quality and go with the cheapest. It has been my experience to use a third party to supply, man and maintain the safety equipment. In some cases it is also more cost efficient to use third parties.

If you buy a first aid kit, the first thing to do is to open it up and check for inventory. What do you have, what do you still need? If you're going to buy a fire extinguisher, make sure it has not yet expired. The nuts and bolts of safety equipment are not things that a typical film crewmember would know about, so I wholeheartedly endorse the concept of hiring third party safety workers if you can afford it. If you cannot budget for that, think of yourself as your own safety worker. Determine the quality of care you would expect from a safety worker whom you've paid, and hold yourself to that same standard. Or higher. It never hurts to be extra prepared.

Safety meetings are essential, and I am always wary and uncomfortable when I work on a low budget set and the director or line producer doesn't give a daily safety meeting. Obviously, it should be expected of your employees to be safe, but mistakes happen, and they happen less often the more often you remind people of potential risk.

Involve your team taking their opinions every time you audit or update your fire policy , plan & system because each one of them has a different perspective than you & others & they're the people on the ground doing the job , so they know it's details better than any manager, designer or auditor!