[SML] Teaching technical theater and OSHA

[Richard Niederberg]

Dear Bill,
You are indeed correct.
/s/ Richard

On Mon, Sep 9, 2019 at 1:10 PM Bill Conner via Stagecraft <
stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:

> 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
>
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-- 
/s/ Richard
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