graphic elementHealth & Safety

No regulations, just common sense advice to preserve your mental, physical and financial safety. This article is in two parts:

  • simple steps to ensure you and your clients' safety, and
  • networking with other artists to safeguard your mental health and prevent feelings of isolation.

Work Smart Artists is ICRA labelledWork Smart Artists uses valid HTMLWork SMart Artists uses valid CSSCynthia tested

 

Know the potential dangers of the materials you use

Many of the chemicals found in art supplies are carcinogenic, and can present health risks if not handled properly. Some are potential skin irritants (some Acrylics contain a small amount of ammonia or formaldehyde), some should not be inhaled (pastel dust is very nasty), while others are highly flammable (turpentine).

Most art supply manufactures are extremely safety conscious, and publish full details of possible risks associated with their products.

Don't be complacent: take the time and effort to find out what the health risks are for the materials you, and observe any recommended precautions.

 

Do you visit clients in their homes?

If you visit clients in there homes, never visit anyone without leaving details with a friend. Tell them who you are visiting and where you are going . Let them know what time you expect to return home, and arrange to phone when you return to confirm that you are safe. If possible, take a friend with you the first time you visit a new client.

 

Public Liability Insurance, protects the policyholder in respect of their legal liability for injury or damage to third parties arising out of, and in course of, their business.

Do you allow clients to visit you at home?

In today's compensation culture, when accidents happen, some people look to blame others. If you allow clients to visit you at home, you have a duty of care to ensure their safety, and there is always a risk they may trip or fall, which could prove very costly.

If you need to meet clients in your home (for example, you may teach from home), then you need third party public liability insurance.

Do you publicly exhibit your work?

Similarly to the above, if you exhibit work, it is always worth checking whether the event organisers have obtained appropriate insurance. You may be required to make your own arrangements.

 

graphic elementNetworking

 

Resources

health and safety in the arts screenshot Health and safety in the arts is a searchable database, and a good resource if you want to know what's nasty.
graphic element

We are unable, at this time, to recommend any particular company selling public liability insurance.

SAA screenshot Gold and Platinum membership of the SAA includes public liability insurance.

 

Article date: 05 October 2009 ¦ Suggest an amendment or a new resource

graphic element