The intersection of emergency medical services and film production might seem unlikely, but for safety professional Lee Burks, it represents a natural evolution of expertise. After 33 years in fire and emergency medical services, including both 911 response and non-emergent transports, Burks has established himself as a critical safety advocate in the entertainment industry.
His transition from traditional emergency response to production safety began 14 years ago when he started working as a set medic in film and television. The role allowed him to apply his extensive field experience to the unique challenges of production environments, where fast-paced schedules and complex setups can create unexpected hazards.
The path wasn’t always straightforward. In 2014, the industry experienced a tragic wake-up call with the death of camera assistant Sarah Jones during production. For Burks, who knew Jones personally, the incident crystallized the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols on sets. The loss reinforced his commitment to preventing similar tragedies through proactive safety measures and comprehensive risk assessment.
Building on his practical experience, Burks pursued formal education in occupational safety, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in the field. His dedication to professional development led to multiple prestigious certifications, including Graduate Safety Professional designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, Associate Safety and Health Manager certification from the Institute for Hazardous Materials Management, and Certified Environmental Safety Compliance Officer credentials from the National Registry of Environmental Professionals.
Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health, Burks continues to expand his knowledge base while maintaining active involvement in production safety. His approach emphasizes creating environments where crew members feel empowered to voice safety concerns without fear of repercussion.
The experienced safety consultant spent a year working as a business representative for a local union, focusing on member needs, contract enforcement, and organizing efforts around safety concerns. This experience provided valuable insight into the administrative and advocacy aspects of workplace safety, complementing his hands-on emergency response background.
Production safety requires a unique skill set that combines technical knowledge with interpersonal communication abilities. Risk assessments must account for everything from pyrotechnics and stunts to weather conditions and equipment placement. Burks leverages his emergency management experience to anticipate potential hazards before they materialize, conducting thorough evaluations of each production environment.
Training represents another crucial component of his safety philosophy. By providing comprehensive education to crew members about potential risks and proper protocols, he works to foster a culture where safety becomes everyone’s responsibility rather than the sole domain of designated safety personnel.
The film and television industry presents distinct challenges compared to traditional workplace environments. Productions often involve temporary setups in varied locations, each with unique hazards. Weather conditions, specialized equipment, and the pressure to maintain shooting schedules all contribute to the complexity of maintaining safe working conditions.
Through LeeBurks., LLC, he now provides specialized safety consulting services to productions, drawing on both his emergency response background and his deep understanding of industry-specific requirements. His work encompasses everything from pre-production planning and risk assessment to on-set supervision and emergency response coordination.
The evolution from firefighter and paramedic to production safety specialist reflects broader changes in how the entertainment industry approaches workplace safety. As productions become more complex and insurance requirements more stringent, the demand for qualified safety professionals with real-world emergency experience continues to grow.
For Burks, each day on set represents an opportunity to honor the memory of those lost to preventable accidents while working to ensure that current and future productions prioritize the wellbeing of every crew member. His combination of practical experience, formal education, and personal commitment positions him as a valuable resource for productions seeking to maintain the highest safety standards.
