The Wikipedia defines Responsibility and Accountability as being synonymous: Accountability comes from the latin accomptare (to account), a prefixed form of computare (to calculate) and is the acknowledgment and assumption of responsibility for actions, products, and decisions.

The Wiki also defines ‘safety’ as the condition of being protected against physical, social, occupational, psychological, educational or other types or consequences of failure, damage, error, accidents, harm or any other event which could be considered non-desirable.

I joke all the time that my middle name is “overkill”. But it shouldn’t be a joke. Safety factor is the structural strength divided by the minimum structural strength required. The greater the safety factor, the lower the likehood of structural factor and the more stress cycles the structure can take. I hear they build tanks at a safety factor of 5. When I build things I compute with a factor of 5, at a minimum, and when it is over your head or there is someone hanging from it I try to use a factor of 10. Is that what you want to hear?

So when I build things, I would always give them the ‘stress’ test. I am not a small man, so I figure If I can jump, run, or slam on it; it will survive. I would not put an actor on a set that did not pass the test. I built a rope bridge for a show once…. the director said that no more than 4 people were going to be on it at once. In the end almost the whole cast of 12 were on it. Again if I built to the minimum… someone could have been hurt. Your actors should feel just as comfortable on your set as they would in a real house. They are so focused on other things that they should not be concerned about how they walk on a platform that is moving or folding underneath them. It is noticeable. The audience can see how hesitant they are; and not focusing or reacting to their moments….

When I ask you to grab a ladder instead of the chair, I am thinking about your safety. I don’t care how much it costs… the center of gravity in a chair is not correct for standing on. Especially when we have more than enough ladders or scaffolding. So if you think I am a control freak; that is why. Your safety is first, and I am thinking about you.

A few disjointed thoughts but there it is. Just felt it was also time to use my website. Comment if you wish.