Guidance on Health and Safety for Television, Film and Live Performance Sector during COVID-19
OVERVIEW
This is not a legal document and employers are advised to seek legal advice.
Employers and constructors have obligations to protect workers from hazards in the workplace as set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations and the directives coming from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Workers should raise any concerns to their:
- supervisor
- joint health and safety committee
- health and safety representative
This will help ensure the employer has taken all reasonable precautions.
Ontario is currently in the midst of a global pandemic. While the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, the legislation and regulations used to govern Ontario’s workplaces are not.
Under Ontario law, employers have the duty to keep workers and work sites safe and free of hazards. Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work. If health and safety concerns are not resolved internally, a worker can seek enforcement by filing a complaint with the ministry’s Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008. Failure of the employer or constructor to comply with the OHSA and its regulations could result in a stop-work order upon inspection by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
BEST PRACTICES
A new type of virus, known as COVID-19, is causing an outbreak of respiratory (lung) disease. The severity of this illness can vary from person to person. There are steps you can take to prevent the spread of infection. This document provides information to help you while working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RECOGNIZE AND ASSESS
COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. These symptoms can appear in a few days or up to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. For some people, the symptoms are like having a cold; for others they may be severe or life-threatening.
The virus is transmitted via droplets during close, unprotected contact with an infected person, or by touching an infected surface and then the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Keeping safe at work involves understanding how employees could come into contact with COVID-19 as they perform their jobs, and then taking steps to minimize contact.
People working as program hosts, reporters, performers, writers, technical crew, wardrobe and make-up stylists, admin staff, sales and marketing staff are just some of those in the TV, Film, Live Performance Sector who need to consider how they can work safely and prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
In addition, employers should advise these workers to complete the online self-assessment or call either:
- Telehealth: 1-866-797-0000
- their primary care provider (for example, family physician)
CONTROLS
Here are a number of options for protecting Television, Film and Live Performance workers from exposure to COVID-19:
- Postpone non-essential projects and tasks.
- Limit entry points and control how many people enter the site at one time, who they speak to, and what they handle.
- Have all employees and visitors wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, before entering the workplace, after contact with others, or with surfaces others have touched. Be sure to include handwashing before breaks and at shift changes, etc. Be sure to keep an adequate supply of soap, paper towels, etc.
- Control who comes into your facility, who they speak to, and what they handle. Control activities may include informing, screening, and hand washing or sanitizing before coming on site. Check the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website for screening guidelines.
- Screen workers regularly for health issues. If anyone develop symptoms of COVID-19, implement procedures for reporting the illness and keeping the worker away from others.
- Limit the number of people working in one space. This also applies when travelling to different locations. Stagger shifts and break times. Encourage social distancing during lunch breaks.
- Keep people a safe distance apart by using floor markings, installing barriers and partitions, and changing the work layout where possible.
- Replace buffets with wrapped food items.
- Train employees on possible COVID-19 transmission points, steps being taken to protect them, and how to protect themselves, including frequent hand washing or sanitizing, and not touching their face.
- Clean the workplace thoroughly and often, especially frequently touched surfaces. Pay particular attention to props, equipment, sets, and common areas (entryways, washrooms, kitchen, etc.).
- Avoid face to face meetings and consultations. If you must meet, maintain a physical distance.
As a last resort, consider personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is effective only if appropriate to the situation and people wear it correctly. Ensure PPE training includes the fit, use, care, putting on and taking off, maintenance, cleaning and limitations of the PPE.
Disposable gloves are one example of PPE that can help limit contact with surfaces that may be infected. Implement safe practices for changing gloves, such as if they are torn or dirty and disposing of them.
Respiratory protection is not the first line of defence against COVID-19. Please continue to monitor Public Health Ontario for respiratory protection advice.
EVALUATE
COVID-19 has presented challenges workplaces have never encountered before. Keep in mind that any adjustments made today may need readjusting tomorrow. Look at preventative measures on an ongoing basis, and adjust them if they are not working well enough or causing other issues. For example, are people doing what they’ve been asked to do? If not, what is preventing them from doing so? Can you make adjustments and improve?
For anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please start by visiting the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website and taking a self-assessment: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0. Please do not visit an assessment centre unless you have been referred by a health care professional. Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
For additional information, refer to Health Canada’s website on COVID-19: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html?topic=tilelink
RESOURCES
Stay updated with daily government updates on COVID-19:
Government of Ontario
Government of Canada
Public Health Ontario
NOTE: This document is intended for informational purposes only to provide an overview of the potential hazards posed in the workplace due to COVID-19. It is not intended as medical advice, to provide a comprehensive risk assessment for all workplaces, or to replace any legislated workplace safety obligations. Due to the ongoing evolution of the situation in Ontario and around the world, this document may be used as a guide for Employers in addition to guidance delivered by public health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” Any use which is made of this document by any Employer, or any reliance on or decisions to be made based on it, are the responsibility of the Employer. WSPS and its partners, officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, suppliers and service providers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions in content or for damages of any kind or nature suffered by any Employer or any third party as a result of use of or reliance on this communication.
TMA, Local 149 of AFM Announces Rehearsal Space & Travel Insurance Partnerships
Toronto, ON – June 15, 2016 – With increased travel, housing, and living costs for Musicians in the Greater Toronto Area, especially those touring to the United States, Toronto Musicians’ Association (TMA149) has announced two partnerships to try and alleviate the burden for its members.
In partnership with Rehearsal Factory, TMA149 members will receive a 50% discount on rehearsal space at all six Rehearsal Factory locations across the GTA for rehearsal time occurring before 6pm Monday to Friday. “Whether you are about to go on tour, or you are preparing for ongoing gigs, Rehearsal Factory provides the most professional rental spaces in the region, every suite complete with full backlines and PA’s. With this considerable discount partnership, professional musicians of the GTA can focus on preparing the astounding work they do with a little less pressure on the existing resources that support them” says Michel Murray, Executive Director of TMA149. The discount is being offered as a three-month pilot project with intentions to renew in the fall.
In addition to the partnership with Rehearsal Factory TMA149 will be expanding its existing relationship with thePersonal Insurance Group and adding discounted comprehensive travel insurance for musicians on tour, work travel or leisure travel to its list of membership benefits. “With our current partnership with the Personal, our members are reducing their home, renters, auto and motorcycle insurance expenses by hundreds of dollars per year, often far eclipsing the cost of our annual membership dues. With this additional elective package, our members can travel on tour, for other work engagements or for leisure, whether alone or with their families and again save significantly. All while being underwritten by one of the most trusted names in travel insurance for Canadians, the Desjardins group” says Michael Murray, ED of TMA149.
The Rehearsal Space discount may be accessed by identifying yourself as a TMA149 member at Rehearsal Factory locations (map attached) or on the single booking line for all Rehearsal Factory studios (416) 366-1525.
thePersonal travel insurance is available for members at http://www.thepersonal.com/tma149.
Contact:
Derek Singh, Systems Manager
Toronto Musicians’ Association
dsingh@tma149.ca
416-421-1020
15 Gervais Dr.
Suite 500
Toronto, ON
M3C 1Y8
TMA149 October 2018 General Meeting
TMA149 General Meeting
Friday October 26, 2018
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
TMA Offices, A1 Auditorium, First Floor
15 Gervais Dr, Toronto, ON
Ample parking at location, payment required at machine
TTC: 25 and 185 buses (Pape Station) or 34 Eglinton East Bus (Eglinton Station)
Lunch provided and $20 per member (to offset parking or other expenses)
TMA149 Advisory to Members regarding 2018 Ex
TMA149 CERB, CRB and 2020 Tax Workshop w Philip Varmuza, CPA CA – Thursday February 11, 2021 @ 1:00 PM
Please join us for a workshop from Philip Varmuza, CPA, CA
Tax Manager
Hogg, Shain & Scheck
Philip will discuss:
The workshop will feature a presentation followed by a question period moderated by Michael Murray, TMA149 Executive Director.
We hope to see many members attend using Zoom Videoconference. Please note only those connecting by computer or mobile device will be able to ask questions using the chat function in Zoom.
Connection Details are as follows:
Topic: TMA149 CERB CRB and 2020 Tax Workshop w Philip Varmuza, CPA CA
Time: Feb 11, 2021 01:00 PM America/Toronto
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86027532716
Meeting ID: 860 2753 2716
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Meeting ID: 860 2753 2716
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TMA149 Congratulates & Thanks Daniel Broome, Outgoing Senior Business Representative
“Dan is an exceptional Music Professional with keen insights into the industry and the best kind of values working for the musicians and creator that fuel the music community. He will be missed greatly at TMA and we wish him the best in his new areas of focus. We look forward to any chance we may have at working together again, and I want to personally thank him for being such a great support during my tenure at TMA”. Michael Murray, Executive Director
Those who want to reach out to Dan may do so through his personal email daniel.albert.broome@gmail.com, and although he may not be able get back to you right away he will endeavour to connect with everyone who sends him a message in the coming weeks and months. Dan thanks everyone for the well wishes he has received already.
Prior to TMA engaging other business representatives, in the interim, please be in touch with any of TMA149’s Membership & Contract Coordinators for contracting inquiries, and Michael Murray, Executive Director, for collective negotiation and contract defence inquiries. Contact information may be found on Contacts page.
TMA149 Congratulates Members Jane Bunnett and Daniel Caesar for Grammy Nominations
http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/cdns-grammy-nominations-1.4422596
TMA149 COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines for Rehearsal, Live Performance, Sound Recording and Screen-Based Scoring
Based on guidance from AFM Local 47, Burbank, CA
November 12, 2020
The Province of Ontario has jurisdiction under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to set rules and regulations to keep workers, including performers, safe. Included in our guidelines are provincial requirements, current as of the above date, pertaining to music rehearsals, performances, and recording sessions. Wherever a conflict exists or may arise between our guidelines and the Province’s, the terms from the Province shall take precedence.
O.Reg. 263/20 and O. Reg. 364/20 are the most up to date regulation determining rules for performers from the Province of Ontario.
TMA149 is Looking for Business Representatives – Member & Non-Member Musicians
Please Apply
TMA149 is looking for Business Representatives and Organizers to help further its mission to improve the socio-economic conditions of all musicians, digital music makers, arrangers and orchestrators in our Local. We are especially interested in practicing musicians and music professionals who can fill this role on a part-time basis to complement their professional practice.
TMA149 Members Can Now Subscribe to the Arts & Entertainment Plan
Health, Dental, Life, AD&D, and More for Our Community
TMA149 Submission to the Provincial Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs
Please note that TMA149 is scheduled to appear before the Committee on Monday August 24, 2020 @ 5:00 PM.
Recommendations:
1. Introduce a Live Arts Labour Tax Credit and a Live Arts Labour Rebate
2. Work with Major Financial Institutions and the Federal Government to Introduce a Live Arts Financing Program to complement the Live Arts Labour Tax Credit and a Live Arts Labour Rebate
3. Research and Consider Incentivizes for Ontario Musician and Music Maker Participation in Screen Based Productions receiving Ontario Cultural Media Tax Credits
4. Introduce Government of Ontario Backed Guarantees to Established Multi-Employer Pension Plans
TMA149 Understanding of November 14, 2020 Rules under New Ontario Covid-19 Reopening Framework and Local Public Health Regulations
The Province of Ontario released its new “COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open” on November 3, 2020 and it was revised on November 3. Under that framework Toronto is scheduled to enter ‘Control (Red)’ classification on November 14, 2020. In addition the Chief Medical Officers of the City of Toronto and the Region of Peel have made additional orders making the rules in those areas even more restrictive.
Here is a summary of the regions in our local and the level of restrictions as at November 14, 2020:
Protect (strengthened measures) – yellow:
Restrict (intermediate measures) – orange
Control (stringent measures) – red
Further, TMA149 understands the following as it pertains to our membership, for all levels other than lockdown, including the additional measures in Peel and the City of Toronto:
While TMA149 understands the need to keep audiences, musicians and other workers safe, we are working with community leaders to advocate for safe priority reopening rules that are economically viable for our sector. Please see the letters below, one from TMA149, the other from a grassroots collective of member and non-member musicians, acknowledged by TMA149. Both letters ask for a more fair reopening framework for the performing arts and provide ideas on how reopening can happen for our sector safely
TMA149 met with grassroots leaders and Kevin Finnerty, Assistant Deputy Minister of Heritage, Tourism, Sport & Culture Industries on October 22, 2020. It was a productive meeting where the ADM Finnerty agreed to bring the grassroots proposal for consideration within the Ministry in preparation for the Ministry to make recommendations to the Public Health Measures Table. Further ADM Finnerty pledged to include TMA149 Executive Director Michael Murray, who was endorsed a representative by grassroots leaders, in conversations about recommendations. As of November 11, 2020 Michael has not been invited to any conversations but has had one phone follow-up after the release of the new framework on November 3, 2020. TMA149 continues to coordinate between grassroots leaders and other TMA149 members and engagers to try and find the best path to a safe, transparent, and fair reopening plan for the performing arts.
TMA149 Understanding of Stage 3 Reopening Rules and Request for Changes
Here is a summary of our understanding of the key Stage 3 Guidelines for musical performances:
Questions referred to the Committee’s public health experts:
Increasing gathering limits under the above conditions would allow for performances to become more economically viable than under current restrictions.
TMA149 Welcomes Erik Ryken as Membership & Contracts Coordinator
Beginning November 27 you may contact Erik for membership renewals and other membership questions and Rebecca for contracting questions in regards to Theatre and Commercial Announcements (Jingles). In addition Erik will be helping develop content and methods for member events and communications on web, through the newsletter and wherever we talk with members about our work.
Rebecca Sinnaeve, Membership & Contracts Coordinator
Theatre and Commercial Announcements
416-421-1020
rsinnaeve@tma149.ca
Erik Ryken, Membership & Contracts Coordinator
Membership Renewals, Sign-Up and Communications
416-421-1020
eryken@tma149.ca
U.S. Steps Up Enforcement of Foreign Artist Tax Withholding
FTM Arts Law is receiving an increasing number of reports from artists, managers, agents and presenters that the Internal Revenue Service is contacting presenters and venues where non-resident foreign artists are scheduled to perform and directing them to withhold 30% of the artists’ gross fee.
The IRS is sending out letters called Directed Withholding Letters (“DWLs”) and they have serious implications. Unless a foreign artist qualifies for an exemption from tax withholding, or enters into a Central Withholding Agreement (“CWA”) with the IRS, then 30% of the artist’s gross fee must be withheld. (Note that not all exemptions from taxation entitle an artist to an exemption from withholding!) Those who represent or present foreign artists in the U.S. and who continue to choose not to address tax issues are taking an enormous risk.
Why is this happening? How is this happening?
Read the full article here.
U.S. Steps Up Enforcement of Foreign Artist Tax Withholding
FTM Arts Law is receiving an increasing number of reports from artists, managers, agents and presenters that the Internal Revenue Service is contacting presenters and venues where non-resident foreign artists are scheduled to perform and directing them to withhold 30% of the artists’ gross fee.
The IRS is sending out letters called Directed Withholding Letters (“DWLs”) and they have serious implications. Unless a foreign artist qualifies for an exemption from tax withholding, or enters into a Central Withholding Agreement (“CWA”) with the IRS, then 30% of the artist’s gross fee must be withheld. (Note that not all exemptions from taxation entitle an artist to an exemption from withholding!) Those who represent or present foreign artists in the U.S. and who continue to choose not to address tax issues are taking an enormous risk.
Why is this happening? How is this happening?
Read the full article here. (Blog has been removed)
Vocal Master Class
Enhancing Quality of Performance
Master class for vocal artists with Lori Holmes, Speech-Language Pathologist & Voice Coach
Thursday April 28, 2011
Time: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Fee: $50 / Students/ Seniors & ASO: $40
Location: Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 3rd Floor, McLaughlin Wing 3-405
Lori Holmes (B.Sc.CD; M.Sc.) is a highly respected speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience, integrating a solid background in science with practical experience in training the voice. Since 2001 she has had the joy of combining her love of theatre with her love of voice at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and has since become an integral part of the coaching team. In London, her private practice, WellSpoken, provides expertise in communication and speaking skill enhancement, accent reduction and rehabilitation for injured voices. A dynamic speaker, she provides workshops in voice care and training for various professionals throughout Ontario. She currently teaches the graduate course in Voice and Voice Disorders to speech-language pathology students at The University of Western Ontario. She regularly lectures to the otolaryngology residents at the Shulich School of Medicine and is the speech-language pathologist at The Vocal Function Clinic, London Health Sciences Centre. She is a guest presenter with the Artist’s Health Centre in Toronto providing workshops and lectures to professional artists and students in training.
Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. To register please contact us at:
Phone: 416.351.0239
Email: info@ahcf.ca
Fax: 416.595.0009
The AHCF appreciates recognition of our cancellation policy, student rate and senior discount requirements. Thank you.
For your comfort, this is a scent-free workshop. Please refrain from wearing any perfume, cologne, aftershave or scented products. Thank you.
VOTE !: Message to Members Regarding the Ontario Provincial Election
Workplace Safety & Prevention
Guidance on Health and Safety for Television, Film and Live Performance Sector during COVID-19
OVERVIEW
This is not a legal document and employers are advised to seek legal advice.
Employers and constructors have obligations to protect workers from hazards in the workplace as set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations and the directives coming from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Workers should raise any concerns to their:
This will help ensure the employer has taken all reasonable precautions.
Ontario is currently in the midst of a global pandemic. While the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, the legislation and regulations used to govern Ontario’s workplaces are not.
Under Ontario law, employers have the duty to keep workers and work sites safe and free of hazards. Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work. If health and safety concerns are not resolved internally, a worker can seek enforcement by filing a complaint with the ministry’s Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008. Failure of the employer or constructor to comply with the OHSA and its regulations could result in a stop-work order upon inspection by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
BEST PRACTICES
A new type of virus, known as COVID-19, is causing an outbreak of respiratory (lung) disease. The severity of this illness can vary from person to person. There are steps you can take to prevent the spread of infection. This document provides information to help you while working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RECOGNIZE AND ASSESS
COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. These symptoms can appear in a few days or up to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. For some people, the symptoms are like having a cold; for others they may be severe or life-threatening.
The virus is transmitted via droplets during close, unprotected contact with an infected person, or by touching an infected surface and then the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Keeping safe at work involves understanding how employees could come into contact with COVID-19 as they perform their jobs, and then taking steps to minimize contact.
People working as program hosts, reporters, performers, writers, technical crew, wardrobe and make-up stylists, admin staff, sales and marketing staff are just some of those in the TV, Film, Live Performance Sector who need to consider how they can work safely and prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
In addition, employers should advise these workers to complete the online self-assessment or call either:
CONTROLS
Here are a number of options for protecting Television, Film and Live Performance workers from exposure to COVID-19:
As a last resort, consider personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is effective only if appropriate to the situation and people wear it correctly. Ensure PPE training includes the fit, use, care, putting on and taking off, maintenance, cleaning and limitations of the PPE.
Disposable gloves are one example of PPE that can help limit contact with surfaces that may be infected. Implement safe practices for changing gloves, such as if they are torn or dirty and disposing of them.
Respiratory protection is not the first line of defence against COVID-19. Please continue to monitor Public Health Ontario for respiratory protection advice.
EVALUATE
COVID-19 has presented challenges workplaces have never encountered before. Keep in mind that any adjustments made today may need readjusting tomorrow. Look at preventative measures on an ongoing basis, and adjust them if they are not working well enough or causing other issues. For example, are people doing what they’ve been asked to do? If not, what is preventing them from doing so? Can you make adjustments and improve?
For anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please start by visiting the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website and taking a self-assessment: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0. Please do not visit an assessment centre unless you have been referred by a health care professional. Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
For additional information, refer to Health Canada’s website on COVID-19: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html?topic=tilelink
RESOURCES
Stay updated with daily government updates on COVID-19:
Government of Ontario
Government of Canada
Public Health Ontario
NOTE: This document is intended for informational purposes only to provide an overview of the potential hazards posed in the workplace due to COVID-19. It is not intended as medical advice, to provide a comprehensive risk assessment for all workplaces, or to replace any legislated workplace safety obligations. Due to the ongoing evolution of the situation in Ontario and around the world, this document may be used as a guide for Employers in addition to guidance delivered by public health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” Any use which is made of this document by any Employer, or any reliance on or decisions to be made based on it, are the responsibility of the Employer. WSPS and its partners, officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, suppliers and service providers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions in content or for damages of any kind or nature suffered by any Employer or any third party as a result of use of or reliance on this communication.