OSHA Cites, Fines Company After Stuntman's Death
"This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the entertainment industry," OSHA Atlanta Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer said. "The entire industry needs to commit to safety practices for actors and stunt people involved in this type of work."
OSHA has cited Stalwart Films LLC for failing to protect employees from fall hazards while filming the television show "The Walking Dead," with the agency announcing Jan. 5 that it issued a serious citation and proposed penalties totaling the maximum allowable fine of $12,675, for the company's alleged failure to provide adequate protection from fall hazards.
OSHA investigated a Stalwart filming location in Senoia, Ga., after a stuntman named John Bernecker, 33, died July 12 in a 22-foot fall from a balcony there.
"This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the entertainment industry," OSHA Atlanta Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer said. "The entire industry needs to commit to safety practices for actors and stunt people involved in this type of work."
The company has 15 business days from its receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.