Brandon Lee’s death in 1993 could have been avoided. So could the death of Jon-Erik Hexum in 1984.

Both actors died on film sets after accidents involving guns loaded with blanks.

“Those sorts of accidents can be prevented,” said Dawn Brennan, general manager of Safety & Health in Arts Production & Entertainment. “It’s so simple. It’s all about education.”

SHAPE, which focuses on education, training, and promotion related to safe working practices, is holding the second annual Arts Safety Week from May 4 to 10 in order to raise awareness of such issues in the industry.

Brennan pointed out that the film industry isn’t like a company where staff stays in one location and uses the same equipment on a consistent basis. “In our industries, it’s very mobile. You might be working on one film today, and then tomorrow you’ll be on a different film for three weeks. And you’ll be working with a group of people you may or may not be familiar with, [and] a wide variety of rented equipment.”

Industry personnel can consult SHAPE for advice or expertise. For example, film electricians asked the nonprofit association how to deal with increasingly snowy winter conditions in Vancouver. Salt that’s used to melt ice can conduct electricity from wires on outdoor sets, which can cause shocks. Accordingly, SHAPE hired the UBC school of environmental health to conduct a study of alternative ice-melt products.

Performing artists such as dancers—who often work without a union or association, and who may be afraid to say anything about risky or unhealthy conditions because they are desperate for employment—can make anonymous calls to SHAPE. In response to calls, Brennan said, SHAPE can conduct risk assessments. It also has health and safety consultants on staff who can suggest options or help conduct research.

While SHAPE offers courses year-round, a selected range held during Arts Safety Week will be available at a discounted rate of $10. There’s clearly a demand: the Occupational First Aid Level One course is already sold out.

Other courses include Safety Awareness for Film (May 7), a requirement for becoming an associate member of the Directors Guild of Canada. For performing artists, SHAPE is presenting two special classes on May 8: Injury Prevention for Actors, and Vocal Survival Guide for Singers and Actors.

For more details, visit www.shape.bc.ca/ .