Here are the precautions to respect when you must work outside in the cold to avoid any risk of frostbite or hyporthermia.

A Performer must be advised in advance if they are required to work outside and the Producer has obligations to ensure that all performers (including background performers) are not exposed to extreme weather conditions for unreasonable periods (C410 of the IPA).

According to the CNESST*, the Producer must schedule work time to ensure that there are sufficient warmup breaks between takes, set up or scenes and to provide adequately heated spaces for the Performers.

The number of hours of work in the cold must be assessed based on the temperature and must also consider the wind, the humidity and the precipitation.

In period of extreme cold, to avoid frostbite or hypothermia, notify us if any of the following measures are not being respected on set:

• Proper clothing adapted for the temperature and required task. For example: layering and covering of the head and extremities.

If the costume is not sufficiently adapted to protect against the weather, then an adequate solution must be found to correct the situation !

• Alternating between work and warm up breaks;

• A heated protected area and (if possible) hot drinks;
• Washrooms and change areas are maintained at an adequate temperature (A2001 of the IPA)
• At least one hot food item (ex. soup) in winter (A443 of the IPA)
• Regular warmup breaks for background performers working outside in difficult weather conditions (C410 of the IPA)
• Proper use of heaters or motors to avoid certain dangers, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

With climate changes, extreme weather conditions are becoming more frequent.  ACTRA encourages Producers to equip themselves additionally to include (but not limited to):  emergency hot packs (ex. Hothands warmers) and emergency thermal (aluminum) blankets.

In addition to this information, ACTRA recommends that you consult the CNESST’s website: https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/fr/salle-presse/communiques/travail-froid-prevenir-risques and the ACTRA Collective Agreements.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our team of Business Representatives if you have any questions with regards to health & safety.

ACTRA Montreal’s Business Relations Team