OSHA cites production company in stuntman’s death

U.S. federal workplace safety regulators have cited and proposed a fine of $12,675 against a Virginia-based production company after a stuntman was fatally injured during the filming of the television show “The Walking Dead.”

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Richmond, Virginia-based Stalwart Films L.L.C. for failing to protect employees from fall hazards after investigating Stalwart’s filming location in Senoia, Georgia, in July after the stuntman was fatally injured following a fall of more than 20 feet, according to an OSHA press release issued Friday. OSHA issued a serious citation for the company’s failure to provide adequate protection from fall hazards. 

Stuntman John Bernecker died after reportedly falling from a balcony while rehearsing a fight scene, according to a July statement by Los Angeles-based union the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

 “This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the entertainment industry,” Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA Atlanta Regional Administrator, said in the statement. “The entire industry needs to commit to safety practices for actors and stunt people involved in this type of work.”

A company spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.