Once upon a time and long ago, most of us were enticed into becoming sound reinforcement professionals. Of course, at the time, few of us realized that this meant taking a lifelong oath of poverty (we’re never paid what we’re truly worth) and abuse — when it’s right no one notices; when something’s wrong, it’s always our fault. But we love what we do and stick to it in spite of any such minor trivialities.
Catastrophe: Becoming Epidemic?
Unfortunately, this is an industry filled with dangers of every sort. Some are hidden from public view, and some are more obvious. Still in the headlines are a series of staging disasters, ranging from the ongoing investigation into the Sugarland show debacle at last summer’s Indianapolis State Fair and the stage collapse during Cheap Trick’s show at Ottawa Bluesfest (July, 2011) to more recent episodes. These include the death of an Italian rigger in March during setup for a Laura Pausini show; or last month in Jerusalem, when one person was killed and 20 were injured when a lighting rig fell while rehearsing a national Independence Day ceremony. Just as we went to press, tragedy struck again in the form of a fatality (and more than 100 injuries) when high winds collapsed a large tent outside a St. Louis Cardinals game.
Sound pros weren’t to blame in these cases, but the examples do illustrate the very real dangers surrounding us everyday. How many times have you worked from a somewhat unstable (or at least wobbly) mix tower? Would a little additional ground staking or stabilizing help? Early on, we learn to stay clear during hoisting operations, but how do you avoid being under a lighting batten or flown mains stack while placing sidefills, miking the drums or setting up monitors? We can’t, but being aware of your surroundings is an essential part of sound survival.
Environmental Issues
Many of us typically work in dark areas with poor lighting, surrounded by a brightly lit stage that causes our eyes to be less sensitive to the hidden dangers underfoot, where cables, cases, drumsticks and other tripping hazards abound. We’re taught the old adage “lift with your knees, not with your back” — still good advice. However, all it takes is one hyperextension while lifting a wedge or heavy toolbox out of a truck bed and you’ll be given an instant reminder about being careful when lifting. Most of us aren’t getting any younger…
I know you’ve heard this a thousand times, but put in a little extra effort to protect your hearing — a major hazard in this industry. Your livelihood and career depend on your ability to hear, so take this seriously. Knowing the condition of your hearing health is also important, and regular monitoring is a good idea. In fact, next month the House Research Institute will be at InfoComm (they also attend AES and NAMM), offering free hearing testing/screenings. Do yourself a favor and check out this service.
More Subtle Dangers
A high level of stress comes with the job. This comes in many forms, whether from all-knowing artistes and divas, idiot promoters and poor production planning (expertly discussed by this month’s “Welcome to My Nightmare” contributor Clint Kaster) or simply being in the exposed FOH position and being pummeled by “constructive criticism” by insipid audience members. I’ve even the read occasional newspaper review that blamed performers’ intonation problems on “poor quality” microphones. And once, while mixing an all-day Celtic festival, I was continually reprimanded because a bagpipe and drum corps performing onstage was too loud. Actually, I also felt they were too loud, but it wasn’t my fault — at the time, all console faders were at zero and I used this opportunity to power down the amps and give them a rest during the sweltering 105-degree summer heat.
Speaking of heat, as we roll into the summer fair/festival/touring season, learn to protect yourself from, and watch out for signs of heat prostration/heatstroke amongst yourself and your crew. Keeping hydrated with plenty of water is important, as is avoiding overexposure to the sun. And even something seemingly innocuous as sunburn can — depending on severity — make you uncomfortable and less likely to focus on what you’re doing.
All This and More
If this weren’t enough, there are plenty of other pitfalls to avoid in your quest for sound survival. We work long, odd hours, and sleep deprivation not only affects your judgment but creates a serious problem if you doze off at the wheel while returning from an all-nighter. And late hours can present other issues, whether you’re trying to avoid the after-bar-hours drunks on the drive home or when you’re doing a 3 a.m. load-out in a dark alley behind a club with a truck filled with valuable gear that’s easy to fence.
A common problem among performers, crew and engineers — but usually mentioned only in hushed terms — comes from substance abuse. And while seemingly outside the purvey of a technical magazine, it’s definitely a topic worth discussing, if only for its prevalence in this industry. This month, our own FOH-at-Large Baker Lee takes on the issue in very real terms in a frank and candid essay that’s a must-read for anyone in the business of live performance.
In any case, be smart and stay safe as you gear up for summer business, and if you’re attending next month’s InfoComm show, stop by booth C5349 and say hello. See you there!
