Backstage, It Should Always Be Safety First

Theatres can be dangerous places. We quote that adage often as a part of every safety speech. Sadly, despite all precautions, accidents happen, proving that the adage is more than just words.

Our able electrics assistant and great pal, Adam Tiller, is at MCV this morning undergoing surgery for a broken hip that happened yesterday on the job. Phil visited Adam last night, and reports that he was in good spirits. Indications are that he’s going to be fine. We deeply regret that he was injured, but we’re thankful that his injuries were not worse.

We tell his tale today for two reasons. 1 – If you know Adam, keep him in your prayers and send him a card. And 2 – As you go about your work in backstage settings, let his mishap help you to remember the importance of extra caution.

Adam was moving our Genie Lift Aerial Work Station to the Empire stage yesterday when the Genie escaped his grasp and toppled over backwards on top of him. Even when compacted, as this one was, Genies are top heavy pieces of equipment, and at least two workers should be involved any time a Genie is moved.

Tia James, who was working in the paint shop down the hall, heard a crash followed by Adam’s call for help. She ran to his side and single handedly hoisted the lift, which has to weigh several hundred pounds, off of his body so that he could crawl to safety.

For those who don’t know what a Genie Lift is, it’s a valuable piece of backstage equipment that allows electricians to elevate their work station to the height needed to change lamps in instruments, focus, etc. The Genie is actually much safer than the A-frame ladders that we used for these jobs in days gone by. The photo at the top of this entry shows the Genie in action.

As Adam recovers, please send warm thoughts in his direction. Warm baked goods are nice too. And remember to follow all safety procedures and exercise exceptional caution when working backstage. Even the strongest tech guy should always recruit help before moving top-heavy equipment.

UPDATE: I visited Adam this afternoon (Saturday) at about 4 p.m.. He's on the 11th floor of the East Wing, room 318. He went in for surgery at around 4:30 a.m. this morning, and by 4 p.m. the painkillers were starting to wear off. But he seemed in good--if slightly dazed--spirits, adjusting to a new and improved hip that now includes a plate and pin that didn't come with the standard equipment. His mom and aunt were visiting him too, so it was good to see that he was in loving and capable hands. His mom said that the docs expected him to be released in approximately two days, and that he should begin to be able to walk on crutches almost immediately. The crutches will be with him for quite a few weeks, but a full recovery is expected. Everyone is very thankful that no other internal injuries have been discovered, despite a significant amount of bruising on his upper torso. So the prognosis is good!

Bruce Miller