Safety Policy

The Safety Policy establishes the mandatory safety standards and expectations for all work performed by Maryland Productions (MP) and Event Revolution (RV). Safety is the highest priority in all operations, including warehouse work, transportation, load-in/load-out, rehearsals, live events, and strike.

No deadline, budget, or client request overrides safety.

Purpose

  • Protect employees, freelancers, clients, and the public from injury.

  • Prevent damage to equipment, venues, and property.

  • Establish clear authority and responsibility for safety decisions.

  • Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations and best practices.

  • Create a culture where safety concerns are encouraged and addressed promptly.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

  • Employees (full-time and part-time)

  • Freelancers and contractors

  • Project Managers and Crew Leads

  • Warehouse staff

  • Technicians in all departments

  • Anyone working under the direction of MP or RV

Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment or engagement.

Core Safety Principles

  • Safety comes first — Always.

  • Stop Work Authority — Anyone may stop work if a condition is unsafe.

  • No retaliation — Reporting safety concerns will not result in punishment.

  • Training matters — Only perform tasks you are trained and authorized to do.

  • Plan before acting — Unsafe improvisation is prohibited.

Stop Work Authority

  • Any individual may stop work if they believe a situation is unsafe.

  • Work must stop immediately until the issue is evaluated.

  • Crew Leads or PMs must assess and resolve the concern before work resumes.

  • No individual may be disciplined for invoking stop work authority in good faith.

Failure to respect stop work authority is a serious violation.

General Safety Requirements

All personnel must:

  • Follow all safety-related SOPs.

  • Use appropriate PPE for the task.

  • Maintain awareness of surroundings.

  • Avoid horseplay or reckless behavior.

  • Report hazards, near-misses, and incidents immediately.

  • Never bypass safety devices or procedures.

Unsafe behavior will not be tolerated.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE requirements vary by task and location and may include:

  • Closed-toe, hard-soled footwear (steel-toe recommended)

  • Gloves

  • Eye protection

  • Hearing protection

  • High-visibility apparel

  • Hard hats (when required)

PPE must be worn as required and maintained in good condition.

Warehouse Safety

  • Keep aisles, exits, and fire equipment clear.

  • Use proper lifting techniques.

  • Team-lift heavy or awkward items.

  • Use carts and material handling equipment when available.

  • Follow equipment-specific SOPs.

  • Report damaged shelving, cases, or tools.

Forklifts, lifts, and powered equipment may only be operated by trained personnel.

On-Site Event Safety

  • Follow venue safety rules at all times.

  • Attend safety briefings when provided.

  • Establish clear communication channels.

  • Secure all overhead equipment properly.

  • Keep work areas organized and free of trip hazards.

  • Maintain clear egress paths.

Crowded, time-sensitive environments require heightened awareness.

Working at Height

  • Use ladders and lifts appropriate for the task.

  • Inspect access equipment before use.

  • Maintain three points of contact when climbing.

  • Never overreach.

  • Secure tools to prevent falling objects.

  • Keep areas below elevated work clear.

Only trained personnel may operate lifts or work at height.

Electrical Safety

  • Verify voltage and power sources before connection.

  • Never work on live power unless authorized and necessary.

  • Use lockout/tagout procedures where applicable.

  • Inspect cables and connectors for damage.

  • Keep liquids away from electrical equipment.

  • Only qualified personnel may handle high-current power systems.

Electrical hazards must be addressed immediately.

Rigging & Overhead Safety

  • Use only rated and approved rigging hardware.

  • Never exceed load ratings.

  • Inspect rigging equipment before use.

  • Never stand under suspended loads.

  • Follow department-specific rigging SOPs.

Rigging failures can result in severe injury or death.

Transportation & Vehicles

  • Only authorized drivers may operate company vehicles.

  • Follow all traffic laws.

  • Perform vehicle inspections before use.

  • Secure loads properly.

  • Do not drive while fatigued or impaired.

Vehicle-related incidents must be reported immediately.

Weather & Environmental Safety

For outdoor or exposed environments:

  • Monitor weather conditions continuously.

  • Secure equipment against wind and rain.

  • Suspend work during lightning or severe weather.

  • Follow venue and company weather policies.

Weather-related decisions must prioritize safety.

Incident Reporting

All incidents must be reported, including:

  • Injuries (minor or serious)

  • Near-misses

  • Property or equipment damage

  • Unsafe conditions

Reports must be made to a Crew Lead, PM, or Manager as soon as possible. Incident documentation may be required.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency:

  1. Stop work immediately.

  2. Ensure scene safety.

  3. Call emergency services if needed.

  4. Notify the PM or Crew Lead.

  5. Use first aid if trained.

  6. Follow venue emergency procedures.

Know the location of: - Emergency exits - Fire extinguishers - First aid kits - AEDs (if available)

Enforcement

Violations of this Safety Policy may result in:

  • Verbal or written warnings

  • Removal from a job or site

  • Suspension of work opportunities

  • Termination of employment or contract

Serious safety violations may result in immediate removal.

Acknowledgement & Review

  • Personnel may be required to acknowledge this policy in writing.

  • This policy is reviewed and updated as needed.

  • Updated versions supersede all previous versions.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action.