Occupational Health in the Performing Arts

I just attended a conference at the RSM (Royal Society of Medicine) about Occupational Health in the Performing Arts, supported by BAPAM (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine).

It was great to be a part of the event, in which occupational health experts, academics and clinicians addressed the provision of investing in health and injury prevention and rehabilitation for self-employed workers in the arts sector.

Amongst the participants there were representatives of varied backgrounds, both within the arts sector and the health sector, and it was conclusive that there is not enough support or understanding of the occupational health needs in the performing arts.

The industry takes a long time to implement change and the first call of support comes from the individual, either as a performer understanding the importance of preventive health care, or as a therapist understanding the needs of the individual at physical and emotional levels.