IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

The hazards of the profession in the performing arts: an exploratory study

Abstract

Economic precariousness, irregular and demanding schedules, performance pressure and context, premature wear and tear, denial of injuries, etc., are often the fate of many artisans in the performing arts field. The overall goal of this project is to better identify occupational health and safety (OHS) issues in the performing arts, particularly in the areas of theatre, music, singing, dance and the circus. By basing themselves on the concerns formulated by the players in the performing arts, the researchers established five specific objectives: 1) Understanding better the production context, the producers' difficulties and needs in OHS management; 2) Painting a portrait of the risks during the preparation of a production and show; 3) Identifying the causes of accidents during the preparation of a production or show; 4) Documenting the professional paths and health paths of the artists in relation to the performance context; 5) Identifying the strategies and means of prevention developed elsewhere as input into the sector's preventive actions. The outcomes of this project will be useful for artists as well as for producers because, in the end, this new knowledge can enrich intervention strategies, resulting in improved prevention of occupational accidents and injuries.

A leaflet specifying this study's objectives, the preferred approach, and the expected results is available for downloading:
www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/fr/Depliant-IRSST_arts-scène.pdf (French only)

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-5450
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2008
Team:
  • Élise Ledoux (IRSST)
  • Madeleine Bourdouxhe (IRSST)
  • Esther Cloutier (IRSST)
  • Marie Laberge (IRSST)
  • François Ouellet (IRSST)