Showmen's Trade Review (Jul-Sep 1942)

July 18, 1942 S H O E N ' S TRADE REVIEW 25 Why Not Stage a 'No Accident Week' Drive? With the Government's "America Needs You Strong" campaign as an inspiration, some of the country's veteran theatreman are turning back the pages to a time when a "No Accident Month" or "Week" safety campaign was used so successfully in reducing the costs of theatre operation. These showmen point out that several years have passed since any great prominence was given to this form of safety-first activity — a form of activity which in very many theatres resulted in great improvement in the theatres' service to the public as well as effecting huge economies for the properties so benefited. Seek Accident Sources These safety-first campaigns began at the beginning, with the responsible head of the theatre checking over past experience to diagnose the sources of accidents which cost the theatre money in claims for injuries or damages. From that point on the blue-print for the campaign took shape in the form of a definite program of having each and every member of the house stafif use particular care in the matter of inspections and alertness to discover possible sources of injuries to the persons or effects (clothing particularly) of the patrons. Followed the launching of the "no accident month — or week," with everybody in the theatre out to make a record for the house with respect to elimination, or at least very substantial reduction, of accidents to the persons, either employes or patrons, in the theatre, or the theatre property itself. Check Theatre Lighting So far as safety for patrons is concerned, the most fertile sources of accidents are such matters as auditorium lighting; (is it adequate for illumination during the shows for patrons to find their way to seats or from them to aisle exits ; are step lights properly placed and maintained ; are any sudden changes in the level in aisles properly lighted?). Next comes the seats: (have they been inspected daily and have all protruding or loose nails, screws and bolts been eliminated ; have seats been examined for projecting splinters, especially veneer seats or backs ; is upholstering in proper repair ; are hat racks in place and secured so that they will not injure patrons or tear their clothing; are seats firmly secured to floor?). Next come the floor coverings, or carpets, in auditorium, foyer, on stairways, in lounge rooms (frequent inspections must be made to discover tears, worn spots). Out front there is the floor situation which concerns bulging rubber mats, or curls or overlapping of the mat that might cause a patron to trip ; slippery sidewalks ; slippery terrazzo or marble floors, or steps, or waxed wood or linoleum. Carpets or other floor surfaces are the source of some of the most serious accidents to patrons which have been brought up for claim against the theatre. Women's high heels coming in contact with defective parts of the carpets account for a number of serious accidents, and when such occur the fact that the women might have been wearing shoes with heels too high for safety never occurs to the public, or a jury or court — the theatre is at fault. Vigilance Price of Safety All of the sources of danger to persons or personal effects, as well as to the theatre property due to fire, etc., are pretty well known to the theatreman. What peculiarities his own theatre may possess with respect to danger spots his own records of accidents will reveal. For that reason there is no better guide to the detailed working out of a safety drive program than experience and the records of the individual house. What is important is that something be done about reducing danger spots. The institution of a drive covering a certain definite period is the point which has been brought up by the veteran theatremen who suggest campaigns for safety. All of those who have recommended a revival of the practice for periodic drives at least once a year, are emphatic in claiming that when such campaigns are instituted the personnel of the house usually works up an enthusiasm that even surpasses that of the manager who starts the movement. There is the element of personal achievement which spurs the employes to greater interest in their job — a most valuable asset to bring into play not only because of the results of the immediate campaign, but also as a factor for promoting the esprit de corps which makes the theatre whose organization possesses it a nicer place for the employe to work and a far more attractive and appealing resort for the entertainment seeker. Keystone, Towanda, Pa., Improved Towanda, Pa. — The Keystone Theatre here has recently undergone improvements including recovering of seats and new lamp house equipment. New Britain House Gutted by Fire New Britain, Conn. — The Capitol Theatre here has been demolished by fire which caused damages of about $75,000. The blaze is believed to have started backstage where some painting work was being done. Our New Projection Arc Lamp Available only to those with proper priority certificates. It is suggested that those without certificates write us about their lamp problems. We will try to help keep present equipment in service ' during the wa/, until new lamps can be purchased. Meanwhile we will continue to render the best possible parts and repair service. If newly imposed war conditions and limitations (such as the necessity of reducing amperage), or modified type of carbons, cause you operating difficulties, do not hesitate to call us. NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY "THERE'S A BRANCH NEAR YOU"