CII and IPC host roundtable to tackle workplace injuries in entertainment production

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), in partnership with the Injury Prevention Consultancy (IPC), hosted a specialist roundtable to look at how the insurance market can help tackle workplace injuries in film, television and theatre production. 

The roundtable brought together underwriters, brokers, claims professionals and researchers in entertainment insurance. 

The discussion referred to IPC’s Impact of Injury 2024 report, which found 76% of screen performers and 85% of theatre performers had suffered workplace injuries during their careers.

The group agreed that injury claims from cast members are uncommon compared with other entertainment insurance claims, despite the high number of injuries reported by performers. 

It noted that cultural barriers, informal management of injuries and unclear reporting systems mean these injuries often go unseen by insurers and policymakers. 

The report pointed to several challenges, including limited data on injury prevalence and costs, the use of special purpose vehicle production companies which can hide responsibility, and insurers often joining productions after key safety decisions have been made.

Ways for the insurance sector to help were discussed, including using better injury data for underwriting, recognising credible safety certification or training, and working together so no single insurer is commercially disadvantaged for asking safety questions. 

The report stated that insurers could reward productions with good safety practice and support wider collaboration with brokers, producers, broadcasters and regulators to strengthen injury prevention standards.