British Columbia has amended its employment standards regulation, allowing young performers under 16 to participate in film and television productions that require fall-protection equipment.
This change ensures compliance with B.C.’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHSR).
Previously, a 2023 regulation prohibited individuals under 16 from working at heights necessitating fall-protection systems, aimed at preventing young workers from engaging in high-risk jobs like roofing and high-rise window washing. However, this restriction inadvertently affected young performers in the entertainment industry, barring them from scenes requiring fall-protection equipment at heights of three meters or more.
The revised regulation specifies that young performers can now engage in flying and falling scenes, provided the productions adhere to OHSR. These rules mandate the use of fall-protection systems, such as guardrails or fall restraints, for all workers at or above three meters.
While the amendment addresses the entertainment sector, regulations for other high-risk industries, such as roofing, remain unchanged. The Ministry emphasized that the original intent was to safeguard young workers from inappropriate high-risk jobs, not to hinder young performers in film and television.
The film and television industry is a significant employer in B.C., with 28,000 individuals holding full-time jobs. Organizations like Actsafe offer occupational health, safety, and well-being programs to support employers, supervisors, and workers in the motion picture, performing arts, and live events industries.
