LMS Covid Supervisors
A reliable workforce for the “New Normal”…from a name you trust from 25 years of “Pre-Covid” experience!
As the industry moved from lockdown back to productivity - major changes to the way we work were required to keep cast & crew safe, and to limit the spread of coronavirus. Even as a vaccine looks likely and vaccination programmes start for the most vulnerable groups, proper Covid Security is, unfortunately, going to be part of the film & TV production landscape for some time yet.
Location Medical can help. We have trained many staff to support you on set as “Covid Supervisors” . These crew members are an essential measure to maintain on set vigilance throughout your shooting days.
Their duties might start with simple “pre admission” health screening before anyone enters your set or studio. Of course anyone can wave a forehead thermometer around - but our staff will back up any screening “fails” with accurate clinical measurements and a robust action plan in the event that anyone fails health screening - including rapid testing on site or “gold standard” PCR lab testing.
LMS Covid Supervisors, will then work to tactfully monitor and ensure that your agreed control measures, such social distancing, PPE and movement flows are being safely maintained and observed by everyone - even when your crews are completely focused on what they do best - making films.
Our team will also check that hygiene facilities are available, used and restocked and, of of course, answer any “best practice” questions that crop up on the day.
Only by having an appointed person to inform and, if necessary, enforce necessary measures can a production truly prevent inevitable “lapses” back into familiar habits that may put everyone at risk.
Location Medical Designated “on Set” Covid Supervisors include Qualified and experienced medics who have worked as part of our NHS-deployed covid care teams and “front line” experience dealing with Covid Patients.
At the end of your shoot day your Covid Supervisor will hand you a detailed report outlining the checks undertaken, any issues found and subsequent action taken. Remember - Covid Safety is an integral part of a your statutory health & safety obligations under the Health & Safety at Work Act. Although this is all relatively new, we believe that, in the event of an incident, inspection or, worse still, legal claim against a production - having proper documentation to evidence that checks and measures were made each day may prove as important as PAT testing certificates for electrical equipment, fire extinguishers servicing records or safety check documents on ladders or lifting equipment - al things we would not work without.
Covid Supervisors FAQ:
Q: Can a Covid Supervisor be a unit medic as well?
A: No, Covid Supervisor is a dedicated role. They cannot really maintain vigilance throughout your day if they are treating an artiste at unit base or standing by for a stunt. Although Covid Supervisors may be medically qualified please do not assume that they will have any medical kit when booked as a Covid Supervisor. If you need medical cover for you shoot please discuss this with us - we will be happy to help!
Q. Can our LMS Medic carry out health screening or does it have to be done by a Covid Supervisor?
A: All of our medics are being specifically trained in covid awareness and can carry out health screening if required - but after that their priority is healthcare - as it always has been.
Q: Will a Covid Supervisor advise us what measures we need to be taken to film safely?
A: Of course your Covid Supervisor will be well informed and will be able to offer some advice on set - but planning for a return to work should be done well before crews turn up for work. We have compiled some information here: LMS Suggested Guidance for Safe Filming. There is also great guidance available from orginsations like the APA, The British Film Commission or the BFI, and your health & safety advisors should be able to advise you pre- shoot.
Q: Can Location Medical advise us on how to film safely?
A: We have been offering professional advice and guidance to our clients for 25 years and nothing has changed now! However we do not currently provide health & safety services and cannot provide formal documentation or consultancy services of the kind that you may need to properly consider all the implications of returning to work during a pandemic. We have, however, provided some helpful information HERE.
Q: Can Location Medical undertake Covid -19 testing?
A: Yes - we have now undertaken over 10 000 PCR successful tests for film & TV productions using our fully compliant UKAS approved & ISO complaint labs - and we now offer rapid testing (Lateral Flow Antigen Tests) as well - although its important to understand the differences and limitation of rapid testing. More information HERE.
Q: Is Temperature Testing Important and does it work in Winter?
A: Whilst there may be some benefits to temperature testing in terms of providing reassurance or deterring people from turning up with significant symptoms - temperature screening is, unfortunately, not an effective way to screen workforces for Covid-19 infection. Also most thermometers will not work in the cold - making the process impossible outdoors in Winter. See full info and supporting documents here.