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Why we take a black box on some of our jobs

Why we take a black box on some of our jobs

Most safety problems on site do not come from missing equipment. They come from unclear moments:

  • Who knows the procedure?
  • Who was informed?
  • Who decides?

Here are five rules from our crew procedures. None of them needs a big budget. All of them work on your next job.

01 – Lock the emergency kit

Locked black hard case with breathalyser, first aid kit and safety procedure in a van

On long-term projects and selected festivals, our crew chiefs carry a locked black box with a breathalyser, a backup first aid kit and a printed safety procedure, just in case. To open it, they call the supervisor and say what is happening.

Why it works: An emergency never stays only on site. The supervisor is informed and involved from the first minute, and decisions are not left to one person under stress. The kit also stays complete. Nothing disappears between jobs.

02 – First aid is planned before it is needed

The locked kit is only a backup. Every venue has its own medical point, paramedic or first aid station. Our crew knows where it is before work starts, so nobody has to look for help or essential equipment when it is needed.

03 – At least one person on site knows every procedure

Crew chief work spot in an arena: locked case, radio, helmet and procedure

Our crew chiefs know the procedures for injuries, damage and conflicts on site. They do not only lead the work. They keep an eye on the crew: who looks tired, who is not fit for work, who is missing safety shoes.

A procedure in a folder helps nobody. A person who knows it and watches the crew does.

04 – Bring basic PPE, whatever the brief says

Locked case next to yellow helmets, vests, safety shoes and work gloves

PPE is often missing from the client brief, or it is unclear. We do not wait to find out at the gate. Helmets, vests and work gloves are packed for every job and travel with the crew chief.

If the venue then asks for PPE nobody mentioned, the crew can still start on time.

05 – A clear rule for every injury

  • Serious injury: The crew chief calls an ambulance and informs the supervisor.
  • Minor injury: If the person cannot continue, they go to the emergency room, always with a trusted crew member.

There is no discussion about “maybe it is fine”. People in pain often say they are fine. The rule decides for them.


None of this is complex. Most of it is one sentence in a briefing or one black box in a van. Rules that people remember are short.

We want to be the team you book because we fail the least.

Want to compare safety procedures with ours? Book a call, the contact details are right below this article.

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