2004Journals forum
Injuries sustained while operating Steadicam equipment
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Finger and hand injuries can occur when body parts get pinched between moving components of the arm or caught during equipment handling.
- A bone spur developed on the shoulder after fifteen years of Steadicam operation, accompanied by minor rotator cuff tearing, which required surgical repair and three months of recovery.
- Repetitive subtle boom arm movements combined with prolonged periods wearing the vest and arm can cause shoulder inflammation and cumulative strain.
- Preventative measures for shoulder injuries include regular strengthening and stretching exercises, monitoring inflammation, and icing after long work days.
- Accidents unrelated to the rig itself can occur on set, such as slipping on floor treatments or being struck by moving set pieces while wearing the equipment.
- An individual nearly choked while wearing the arm and vest, requiring emergency intervention before equipment could be removed.
Depends on
- The shoulder injury occurred after fifteen years of continuous operation, so risk may increase with cumulative career exposure.
- Not all operators experience shoulder problems despite long careers.
- Most reported injuries were minor; serious injuries requiring surgery or hospitalization were less common in the accounts provided.
- The data comes from anecdotal forum reports rather than systematic injury tracking.
- One account involved equipment failure or design issues rather than operator error.