The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is stepping into the spotlight as they prepare to investigate a series of incidents involving crew injuries and fatalities on film and television sets. This move comes amidst rising concerns regarding the historical underreporting of such incidents, which have, in recent years, led to high-profile lawsuits and demands for industry-wide changes.
Historical Underreporting and Notable Cases
In the annals of film and television history, there have been several notable incidents that have caught the public eye. One such case occurred in 2021 on the set of the film ‘Rust,’ where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot when a firearm held by actor Alec Baldwin unintentionally discharged. Another took place in 2014, when camera assistant Sarah Jones lost her life during the filming of ‘Midnight Rider.’ These incidents have not only raised eyebrows but have also prompted lawsuits and calls for industry reforms.
The Shocking Statistics
Data from a 2016 Associated Press report paints a grim picture of the situation. Between 1990 and 2014, at least 43 deaths and over 150 life-altering injuries occurred on U.S. film sets. This information, gathered from safety investigations, court records, and news sources, illustrates the urgency of the safety concerns pervading the industry.
The Case of ‘Wonder Man’
As OSHA gears up for its investigations, the upcoming film ‘Wonder Man,’ starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, is scheduled to begin filming next month. This schedule follows delays caused by dual Hollywood strikes in the previous year. With the industry’s safety concerns in context, the monitoring of ‘Wonder Man’ production will undoubtedly be thorough and rigorous.
As the film and television industry grapples with these safety concerns, OSHA’s involvement signifies a move towards stricter safety measures and industry reforms. Whether these investigations will lead to the necessary changes remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the safety of the crew on film and television sets can no longer be compromised or overlooked.