Injury at Work | Star Wars Producers Plead Guilty to Safety Failings

The production company behind the latest Star Wars movie, Foodles Production (UK) Ltd, recently pleaded guilty to safety breaches following an incident of injury at work.

Injury on Set

The company’s guilty plea refers to an incident in which actor Harrison Ford suffered a serious injury at work. While filming Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Pinewood Studios in 2014, the actor became trapped underneath a metal door on the set of the Millennium Falcon. Mr Ford sustained a broken leg during the incident.

Appearing at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court on 26 July, Foodles admitted to ‘failing to protect actors and workers’. The production company pleaded guilty to two charges in total. Sentencing will take place later this year at Aylesbury Crown Court.

A spokesman for Health and Safety Executive said:

“During the filming of Star Wars Episode Seven: The Force Awakens, the actor Harrison Ford was badly injured after he became trapped under a rapidly closing metal-framed door. The power of the door’s drive system was comparable to the weight of a small car.

“This was a foreseeable incident. Foodles Production (UK) Ltd has accepted it failed to protect actors and staff and HSE welcomes the firm’s guilty plea.

“Every employer in every industry has a legal duty to manage risks in the workplace. Risks are part and parcel of everyday life, and this is acknowledged by health and safety law – but they still need to be identified and managed in a proportionate way.

“The British film industry has a world renowned reputation for making exceptional films. Managing on-set risks in a sensible and proportionate way for all actors and staff – regardless of their celebrity status – is vital to protecting both on-screen and off-screen talent, as well as protecting the reputation of the industry.”

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have suffered an injury at work you could be entitled to personal injury compensation.

Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Health and Safety Executive; Hampson Hughes Solicitors