It has been reported that the Health and Safety Executive, the UK’s Health and Safety authority, is prosecuting film production company Foodles Production (UK) Ltd. Over an incident in which famous film star Harrison Ford was serious injured.
Harrison Ford, 73, who reprised his role as one of the great leaders of the rebel alliance, and captain of the Millennium Falcon - Han Solo, in the Force Awakens, suffered a broken leg and other injuries when he was struck by a heavy hydraulic door on the set of the Millennium Falcon. The accident happened in June 2014, and resulted in Harrison Ford unable to work for almost 2 months, with production of the film forced to halt in order for the actor to recover.
Foodles, a Disney subsidiary, is to be charged with four safety breaches on the Pinewood Studios Set.
A HSE Spokesperson said:
“By law, employers must take reasonable steps to protect workers – this is as true on a film set as a factory floor. We have investigated thoroughly and believe that we have sufficient evidence to bring the case to court.”
The HSE specifically accused Foodles Production of failing to minimise the risks to its actors and of failing to conduct sufficient assessment of the risk that may have been presented on the film set. They also allegedly failed to keep their employees away from dangerous machinery or to stop the movement of the machinery when employees had to approach.
A spokesman for Foodles responded: "Cast and crew safety is always a top priority. We provided full cooperation during H.S.E.'s investigation into the on-set accident that occurred in June 2014 and are disappointed in H.S.E.'s decision."
Whether it is a factory, work site, or a film set it is essential that you are adhering to health and safety regulations to help minimise the risk of injuries or fatalities. It is vital that if you have employees working around dangerous machinery, that they are warned about the potential dangers that they are facing. Here at label Source, we supply a range of Mandatory Safety signs. Which offer a range of occupational health and safety signs, highlighting the correct use of industrial equipment, use of hand rails, lifting points, and reminders to switch off power supplies.
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