[SML] Teaching technical theater and OSHA

[Bill Conner]

Seems like pure liability averseness.  If you don't do or permit
anything, lowest chance of injuries and liability.  OSHA of course
does not apply to students unless they are employees.

I think your friend has to go to admin and make the case that to do
her job like at other institutions of higher learning, this activity
needs to be permitted.  Put the burden and task on them. Get as many
voices heard as possible.  She is offering training in how to do these
things and consequently need to allow students to practice.

As far as overhire, while some workers have their own tools, lots use
the employer provided.  It does make it seem a little more like an
employee rather than independent contractor, so workers comp and other
compliance may be required.  If you hire someone to build scenery in
your shop with your tools on an hourly basis - it does seem like a
employer/employee relationship.

On Mon, Sep 9, 2019 at 1:18 PM Dougherty, Jim via Stagecraft
<stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
>
> From a colleague, Kate Caffrey, working at Framingham State University in MA:
>
> "We are trying to grow our Theatre concentration at Framingham State.  A new director of facilities has been hired and she refuses to let students and faculty use lifts, tools, etc. to build sets, hang lights, etc.  She also refuses to let any professionals we hire from the outside use any of Framingham State's equipment/tools do these duties. She claims they must bring their own tools, lifts, etc.  She says that she is abiding by OSHA's rules.
>
> I have worked in theatre professionally and in Higher Ed for a number of years and have never run into anything like this.  I am now in a position where I need to find "proof" that other schools teach skills to students - allowing them to hang/focus lights, build sets, etc.
>
> I am wondering if you could send me something brief that explains how Colleges/Universities/Community Colleges across the country (the world?) are allowed to teach students these hands on skills and remain OSHA compliant?"
>
> If anyone has supporting experience or evidence to help out, please contact Kate directly at mcaffrey1 at framingham.edu.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim Dougherty
> Middlebury College Theatre Dept
>
>
>
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-- 
Bill Conner Fellow of the ASTC