BACKGROUND & PRESENT CASE
A film and television production company sought Occupational Health advice to support a young performer returning to work following orthopaedic hip surgery. The role involved on-set performance duties within a physically demanding filming environment, including long working days and varied terrain.
Following approximately six weeks of post-operative recovery, the performer had begun a phased return to work after specialist orthopaedic review. The production team requested guidance on safe duties, workplace adjustments and risk management to ensure a successful return to filming while protecting recovery.
OUR ASSESSMENT
Following a clinical consultation, review of medical history and a workplace risk assessment, we identified the following:
- Recovery following surgery was progressing well with no current pain reported.
- The performer was mobilising independently and actively engaged in physiotherapy rehabilitation.
- Specialist advice recommended avoiding high-impact activities such as running and jumping during the early recovery period.
- Existing on-set adjustments were working well and were tolerated without difficulty.
- The recovery trajectory was consistent with expected post-surgical outcomes.
- Ongoing orthopaedic follow-up was scheduled to monitor progress.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
We advised a number of practical adjustments to support a safe return to filming while rehabilitation continued:
- Continue dynamic workplace risk assessments as filming environments change.
- Avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping until formally cleared by the treating specialist.
- Continue light to moderate duties, including sitting, standing, walking and limited steps.
- Ensure regular breaks to manage fatigue and support recovery.
- Allow time for physiotherapy sessions and medical appointments.
- Maintain the current on-set adjustments, with periodic review as recovery progresses.
- Monitor for any emerging symptoms such as joint discomfort or reduced mobility.
OUTCOME / RESULTS
- The performer returned successfully to work following the post-surgical recovery period.
- A structured phased return enabled continued participation in filming while protecting recovery.
- Rehabilitation continues alongside normal work duties.
- Symptoms had resolved at the time of assessment, and the performer remained fully independent in daily activities.
- No further Occupational Health review was required unless the clinical situation changes.
KEY LEARNING POINTS
- Early Occupational Health involvement supports a safe and structured return to physically demanding roles.
- Practical workplace adjustments can enable continued participation in work while recovery progresses.
- Dynamic risk assessment is particularly important in non-traditional workplaces such as film and television production environments.
CLINICIAN COMMENTS
“Proactive workplace adjustments and close alignment with specialist guidance enabled a safe return to a physically demanding creative role.”
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
All personal and organisational details in this case study have been anonymised to protect confidentiality.
