Q&A: A Conversation With Mary Dow, COVID-19 Compliance Officer
There are many benefits to securing COVID-19 Compliance Officers for video production sets during these challenging times. These individuals are there to work with the production team to make sure filming happens in the safest way possible. Alexxa Dussault interviewed Mary Dow, a COVID-19 Compliance Officer, and their discussion is below.
Could you tell us what type of work you did before everything closed down?
Prior to the need to comply with COVID-19 protocols, I was a production manager on commercials for about 15 years. Before that I was a production coordinator supporting features and film. Even independent films. I went from large film sets to smaller commercial sets.
When did you realize that your position of health and safety officer was needed in the video production industry?
When we closed down this past spring due to the pandemic. When production came to a standstill, we had to figure out how to get back up and running in the most efficient way to ensure safety on the set. What would it take to get us back to work? I discovered an online training program that focused on the role of health and safety on the production set and I decided to go that route.
When it comes to local government regulations, how do you stay current?
I review the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website weekly to learn about updates and changes. Additionally, before any job, I make sure we know which states are at red status, honestly. It is important to prepare for shooting in a city or town that is doing business in a high risk environment.
What special health and safety equipment do you bring with you onto sets and locations that helps ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Every location is different so we are able to customize solutions for studios, homes, any other type of venue and for filming outside. My basic kit includes sanitizing stations which are comprised of masks, hand sanitizer, hand wipes. My check-in area also includes a thermal temperature gauge, sanitizer, and various masks for different needs: standard ones, KN95 masks, and child-sized masks which also work for people with narrow faces. I post signage everywhere that spell out setting six foot distance, washing hands, different protocols that need to be followed for check in. Similar to a grocery store, we create a flow so people are traveling in only one direction. Of course, it goes without saying, we carry a host of cleaning products.
“It’s also my job to monitor crew and talent to ensure they are following our protocols during the entire process. Everyone knows that I am the point of contact for anything related to health and safety.”
What steps do you take on production day?
I arrive on set before the crew does and do everything I can to enhance airflow such as opening windows and doors. I set up my check-in table where everyone on set can review the check-in procedure that consists of sanitizing your hands and checking the fit of your mask, taking your temperature, and maintaining social distancing.
I then post important information on the set to remind people about washing their hands. I construct sanitizing stations for each exit and offer additional masks so people have one for their breaks. We also have face shields on set. Everyone on set must wear a mask and a face shield when the on-site talent removes their masks.
I hold a safety meeting, making sure to review all the rules and the plans for that shoot: how we are going to stay safe; how to approach crafts services; how to approach lunchtime. I also encourage suggestions from the team that will promote safety even further. It’s also my job to monitor crew and talent to ensure they are following our protocols during the entire process. Everyone knows that I am the point of contact for anything related to health and safety.
Could you talk more about that safety meeting with the crew and talent?
Sure. First we talk about guidelines. For example, it’s important that anyone who is feeling ill during the shoot speaks up to report the symptoms. We treat everybody as if they could be infected with the virus and not realize it. We know we are very lucky to be working. The set is a space where we must protect clients, colleagues, their friends and families as best we can.
“We know we are very lucky to be working. The set is a space where we must protect clients, colleagues, their friends and families as best we can.”
We discuss how to enter and exit the set, what social distancing means in regards to the assignment. For example, who is in charge of wiping down props after each use and touchpoint? This information is most critical.
Do you ever get any questions about your health and safety guidelines from people on the set?
The most frequent questions are about masks. For instance, what is the best mask? My answer is consistent. The best mask is a clean mask that fits you properly. Also, when do I wear my mask? My answer is ALL THE TIME unless you are a talent and have been instructed to remove your mask on set for filming. Even then, social distancing and sanitation protocols apply.
What do you think your position as a health and safety officer will look like in the coming months? Are there any new responsibilities you expect to pick up?
In regards to COVID-19, my role will evolve with the course of the virus. I may have to work on integrating new and stricter protocols into our video production.
I make clear to people that I am not an EMT, I am not a nurse. I do not have medical training. I am in this position to make sure we are compliant with all the safety rules and regulations for COVID-19. I am there to help keep people as safe as possible.
Has there ever been a problem when a participating employee has not followed your guidelines and your rules?
The rules are in place for a reason and I see compliance as a sign of respect for clients and co-workers on set. And also for their friends and families.
There have been instances when someone working on set doesn’t realize he or she is breaking a guideline. When I bring the issue to their attention, usually they are happy to comply. Sometimes not. But I don’t tweak or bend the rules for anyone.
Due to COVID-19 some people are just now recognizing the roles and responsibilities of Compliance Officers. How do we learn more?
The pandemic outbreak has put the position of health and safety officers at center stage. It’s not a required position for video production but today the position is very critical. Production houses are responsible for hiring their own COVID-19 compliance officers.
I have 20+ years of experience in film and television production and now I work through Central Booking which is a crew booking service in Boston. To launch my career as a COVID-19 Compliance Officer I reached out to every producer, every studio, every stage in town and all location managers. I marketed myself and then by word of mouth people shared my resume, experience and testimonials.
