For clients, I regularly work on locations with increased safety risks. These include, for example, industrial environments with machinery or heavy equipment, as well as construction sites where there is a risk of falls or tripping hazards. To raise my awareness of these risks, I completed the VCA-VOL safety course this month.
Being aware of risks and hazards in the workplace is important for several reasons. First and foremost, I want to minimise the risks I face—or pose—while working as a professional photographer. When working on construction sites, I also aim not to burden others with questions that are generally assumed to be common knowledge on-site. For this reason, I always carry my own personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes:
Understanding safety regulations has another important advantage. It helps prevent unintentionally exposing clients to scrutiny from the Dutch Labour Inspectorate. I know of cases involving other photographers and videographers where clients were investigated following published imagery. While safety and compliance are essential, I don’t want my work to place unnecessary pressure on my clients.
You can verify my VCA-VOL certification via the Central Diploma Register:
https://cdr.ssvv.nl/#/zoek-nummer/1128183.00533100
Below, you’ll find a selection of photographs taken at locations with increased safety risks.
