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The Importance of Safety at Show-Me Live Event Production

Dave Constine

At Show-Me Live Event Productions, we know that a memorable event isn’t just about a stunning visual experience or seamless sound quality—it’s about ensuring every aspect of the setup and execution is done safely, both for the crew and the audience. Our dedication to safety is woven into every part of the production process, from the moment our gear leaves the warehouse to the last piece of equipment that’s packed up and secured after an event. Here’s an inside look at why safety is paramount and the extensive measures we take to protect everyone involved.

1. Loading and Unloading: The Foundation of a Safe Production

Every safe production starts with the logistics of loading and unloading equipment. For us, that means meticulously organizing gear for efficient and secure transport. Our loading docks are equipped with safety lights, barriers, and clear markings to ensure that the crew and equipment stay safe.


Each item is checked before it’s loaded to verify that it’s in perfect working order and appropriately secured within the transport vehicles. Proper weight distribution is key, not just to safeguard our equipment but to prevent accidents caused by shifting weight during transport.


Best Practices for Loading and Unloading:

  • Clear Communication: Team members are assigned clear roles, and each action is coordinated to prevent crowding and potential accidents.

  • Secure Strapping: Every piece of gear is fastened to prevent movement during transportation, which reduces wear and tear on equipment and prevents accidents.


2. Rigging and Hanging Trusses: A High-Risk Priority

Rigging is one of the most critical parts of setting up a safe event, involving the structural assembly that supports lighting, screens, and speakers. We use industry-standard, well-maintained trusses and hanging truss motors that are regularly inspected and serviced to ensure reliability and safety.

Rigging requires an experienced team, and all of our riggers are trained and certified to handle these complex setups. They follow a precise setup procedure that begins with anchoring points, load calculations, and testing before any additional weight is applied.


Safety Practices for Rigging:

  • Load Calculations: Proper calculations for load-bearing capacities are made to ensure that the truss structure can handle the weight of lighting, screens, speakers, and other equipment.

  • Safety Harnesses: All riggers use fall protection gear, such as safety harnesses and lanyards, especially when working at heights.

  • Pre-event Inspections: Each piece of rigging equipment, from cables to carabiners, is visually inspected and tested before it’s used on an event site.


3. Lighting and LED Walls: Secure Installation, Bright Performance

The lights and LED walls play an integral part in transforming a space, but they also require diligent safety measures. Lights are mounted onto trusses using heavy-duty clamps and safety chains, ensuring that nothing will fall, even if a clamp loosens. LED walls require robust frames that are securely bolted and braced, as these displays can weigh several hundred pounds depending on their size.

For high-mounted lights and LED installations, we utilize lifts and hoists that are checked before every use, making sure they’re capable of carrying the required load. These procedures are in place to protect not only our crew but also the audience below.


Best Practices for Lighting and LED Wall Installation:

Our LED walls, composed of modular panels rather than a single frame, are bolted together and then mounted directly onto a truss. This approach provides flexibility and allows for secure, stable installation, minimizing the risk of tipping or shifting. Each panel is connected carefully to form a cohesive display and is tested before being fully lifted.


  • Double Safety Check: Every light fixture and panel is checked multiple times to confirm secure attachment to the truss and backup safety measures.

  • Cable Management: Proper cable routing prevents tripping hazards and reduces wear on the power cords and control cables.

  • Heat Management: LED walls and lighting setups generate heat, so we always ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.


4. Lifts, Hoists, and Scaffolding: Stability and Safety at Height

Operating lifts, hoists, and scaffolding demands expertise and focus. Our team members are trained in the safe operation of these heavy-duty tools, ensuring a steady hand for precision positioning. Each lift or scaffold is inspected thoroughly before use, with brakes, hydraulics, and supports all checked for any signs of wear.


Safety Practices for Operating Lifts and Hoists:

  • Weight Limit Awareness: Operators adhere strictly to weight limits to ensure the lift’s stability.

  • Controlled Movements: Lifts and hoists are moved with slow, controlled movements to avoid sudden shifts that could destabilize the platform.

  • Safety Barriers: When lifts are in use, we establish barriers around the area to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering and risking an accident.


5. Screens and Projectors: Anchoring Stability for Sharp Visuals

Screens and projectors can add a dynamic element to any event, but they must be set up with care to ensure stability. Screens are securely anchored to prevent tipping, especially in outdoor settings where wind may be a factor. Projectors, typically mounted on trusses or scaffoldings, are also carefully positioned and braced to ensure stability.


Best Practices for Screen and Projector Safety:

  • Wind-Resistant Anchors: When screens are used outdoors, we anchor them with weight bags or tethers for extra stability.

  • Projector Mounting Checks: Projector mounts are double-checked to confirm stability, with alignment tests conducted beforehand to reduce the need for adjustments.

  • Preventive Maintenance: Projectors are regularly serviced to keep them in optimal condition and prevent unexpected malfunctions.


6. Ongoing Safety Monitoring and Final Walkthroughs

Safety at Show-Me Live Event Productions doesn’t end with setting up the gear. Throughout the event, our crew constantly monitors the equipment to make sure everything is functioning as it should. Should an issue arise, our crew members are prepared to respond immediately to keep everyone safe and the event on track.


Each event concludes with a comprehensive breakdown and inspection, ensuring all equipment is safely stowed and accounted for, ready for the next event.


Final Safety Protocols:

  • Constant Monitoring: Our team is on high alert for any signs of malfunction, loose connections, or other potential hazards.

  • Emergency Preparedness: Each crew member is trained on the event’s emergency response plan, including evacuation routes and emergency equipment.

  • Safe Breakdown Procedures: When the event concludes, our breakdown procedure is as detailed as our setup. Equipment is secured before being lowered, and we use lifts and hoists wherever possible to minimize physical strain on our crew.


The Show-Me Commitment to Safety

Our commitment to safety is about protecting not only our clients and audience but also every member of our dedicated crew. Each production is treated with the highest level of diligence and care because, at Show-Me Live Event Productions, we believe that safe events are successful events.

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816-358-8700

Address

4501 Blue Ridge Cutoff

Kansas City, MO 64133

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