The insurance industry can play a greater role in improving workplace safety across the UK's film, television and theatre sectors, according to the Chartered Insurance Institute.

The CII says insurers could help reduce workplace injuries by using better injury data in underwriting, recognising effective safety training and working together to encourage higher safety standards.

The report follows a specialist roundtable held in June, which examined why workplace injuries are far more common than related insurance claims. It drew on Injury Prevention Consultancy research showing that 76% of screen performers and 85% of theatre performers have sustained workplace injuries during their careers.

It suggests that cultural barriers, informal handling of injuries and poor reporting mean many incidents are never seen by insurers or policymakers. It also highlights the limited availability of relevant data and the fact insurers often become involved only after key safety decisions have already been made.

Commenting on the report, Matthew Hill, CII chief exec, said: “This report builds on important work undertaken by the IPC to highlight a lack of good practice surrounding workplace injury within film, television and theatre production. We have an opportunity to demonstrate how the insurance profession positively impacts people’s lives by helping to improve the evidence base, support better reporting and recognise good safety practice."

IPC director Tome Levi added: “There is a significant, systemic shift taking place within the media and entertainment insurance sector, as key stakeholders recognise their uniquely powerful position to act as arbiters of good practice in stage and screen production. The IPC is steadfast in its commitment to delivering a robust evidence base that supports the essential reforms laid out in this report, and we look forward to continuing our close work with our insurance partners to achieve meaningful and lasting change.”

The CII said the findings will help shape the forthcoming Impact of Injury 2026 research programme, which will examine the financial and operational impact of workplace injuries across the entertainment industry.

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