HSE to Prosecute Star Wars Production Company
It has recently emerged that the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are to prosecute the production company behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens, following an on set incident in which Harrison Ford broke his leg.
The HSE announced yesterday that it was prosecuting Foodles Production (UK) Ltd. (Foodles) over four alleged breaches of health and safety.
The four charges relate to an incident that occurred in June 2014 at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire. It is alleged that Mr Ford was seriously injured when a hydraulic door that was part of the Millennium Falcon (a spacecraft belonging to his character Han Solo) struck him.
A statement released by the HSE 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.”
According to the HSE, due to Foodles being the company responsible for the production of the film, they are also responsible for managing the risks posed throughout production. As such, they are liable under UK health and safety laws.
Mr Ford, who required surgery following the incident, admitted the accident occurred through a spokesperson at the time. It is reported that he even later teased J.J. Abrams, the film’s director, about the incident during numerous promotional appearances last year.
Company representatives from Foodles are due to appear on 12 May at a court in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, to face the four charges.
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Source: CNN
