According to a recent press release, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has renewed its partnership with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). This announcement is good news for Texas residents that work in the entertainment industry.
USITT is a professional organization for workers in the entertainment industry. Their goal is to give development opportunities to its members. The IATSE is a labor union representing the interests of entertainment industry workers, including craftspersons, technicians and artisans.
Scheduled to last five years, the alliance between the three groups is designed to provide members of USITT and IATSE with OSHA-designed educational programs regarding the risk of falls, electrical accidents, ergonomics and other hazards common to the entertainment industry. In turn, members of USITT and IATSE will have the opportunity to educate OSHA and local regulatory entities on industry safety issues. Specifically, these discussions will involve fall prevention and safety issues surrounding portable power systems. Alliance members will also share information related to the OSHA rulemaking process and operate outreach campaigns focusing on safety issues in the entertainment industry.
Despite their best efforts, collaborations like this one won’t be able to eliminate workplace injuries. An individual injured while on the job may be entitled to file a claim through the state workers’ compensation program. An attorney experienced in workers’ compensation law may be able to assist an individual seeking compensation through a workers’ compensation claim by pursuing a settlement from the person’s employer or the insurance company. In cases where a settlement isn’t possible, a lawyer may be able to help his or her client by filing a suit and seeking recovery through the legal system.