Being able to tour around the nation as a band is a unique circumstance. It’s not just the band members who travel, however. A whole crew is necessary for staging, instrument tuning, and more. Safety during a summer tour is incredibly important so that the show can always go on without fail. As you practice your summer music, take a look at the critical tips necessary to keep your road crew safe while on tour.
Using Appropriate Safety Gear and Equipment
Falls from high heights on a band’s stage are possible for the road crew. No worker should be on the stage without any safety gear. Harnesses connecting people to the scaffolding must be in place so that efficiency and safety can coincide.
In addition to using the right safety gear, your crew needs to be working on the right equipment and they need to know how to use it. Depending on where your venues are, you may need a portable stage which your road crew can set up and take down for each show. These are very convenient for shows at outdoor venues or nontraditional venues. Ensure that your crew knows how to properly set up and put away the stage so that you can get back on the road quickly.
Controlling the Party Atmosphere
Being on a summer tour often means that partying is part of the experience. The band may drink and carry on late into the night. When you’re part of the road crew, though, you need to have your wits about you. Ideally, the road crew shouldn’t involve themselves with the party atmosphere unless they’re off duty. Being inebriated and working at the same time can lead to unsafe conditions.
Getting Enough Rest
A tired road crew is a recipe for potential disaster. One or two workers might be in charge of driving the tractor-trailers full of band members or cargo. If any driver is sleepy, they can cause a massive pileup on the freeway. Tractor-trailer accidents can quickly create damages to people and property. Make sure that the road crew has enough rest. Switch drivers on a regular basis so that they’re always fresh.
Setting Up Frequent Meetings
Keeping your road crew safe on the road means that communication must be a priority. Details change often when it comes to setting up a band’s gear and adjusting the sound. The road crew’s manager must hold frequent meetings to keep everyone updated of any changes. These meetings also provide the platform for any questions that are plaguing the group. By effectively communicating, everyone remains safe and ready to tackle any issues.
Although touring is a mobile process, there are still compliance rules set forth by the government that must be met by the road crew. From strict working hours to hotel accommodations, these rules ensure that your road crew is safe at every stop. Let the music carry on as the summer heat turns up the fun and the road crew continues to do their job.
