Health Hazards on Location

A brief introduction to preventing communicable illness when making programmes.

Updated: 6 December 2024

A brief introduction to preventing communicable illness when making programmes.

What Can Go Wrong?

Someone could contract an illness.
We could spread infection to the general public or especially vulnerable people.

Carry out research before visiting site to establish what you need to do and any local rules or procedures.
Avoid physical contact with body fluids & contaminated dressings or items.
Don’t sit on hospital beds unless permitted to do so by local staff.
Maintain good hygiene e.g. wash hands using good technique.
Get specialist advice from BBC Safety for high risk infections, example; Ebola or other tropical epidemics.
Don’t visit farms or attend sheep births if pregnant.
Don’t eat, drink or smoke without washing your hands (or using an alcohol gel or disposable hand wipe if in the field).
Avoid placing cameras or other equipment where it can be contaminated and clean down using fast acting antimicrobial wipe.
Monitor your own health and report to your own doctor / BBC Occupational health if unwell.

Don’t attend places with sick, old or vulnerable people if you are ill yourself.
Check with your team if anyone needs particular consideration e.g. is pregnant or immune compromised.
Follow any site specific recommendations for infection control.

Boxing: Human blood can be sprayed in fine droplets or spilt in the boxing ring.

Journalism and reality programming can require work with potentially contaminated individuals.eg refugee camps, homeless people, tropical / disease epidemics.
TV: series on animals and farming. Check human / animal vectors.

You must ensure you have appropriate vaccinations and medical support for international travel.
Remember to manage emotional trauma, and use the EAP if needed (see Recommended Links (Gateway)). Whilst the EAP is an employee benefit, it can be made available to freelancers under certain circumstances (contact HR for advice).