In a tragic incident on the set of Marvel Studios Wonder Man in February, Juan Carlos Osorio lost his life. Osorio, a 41-year-old rigger, was working at Radford Studios in Studio City when the accident occurred. According to a CAL/OSHA report, Osorio fell 41 feet to the ground after a weakened section of the catwalk he was standing on collapsed.
The crew, which included Osorio, was collecting and removing lighting cable equipment on wooden catwalks in Stage 3. The flooring consisted of various-sized wooden floorboards supported by 2-inch by 4-inch wooden supports. Unfortunately, a deteriorated ledger that was improperly nailed to a roof truss gave way while Osorio was standing on it, leading to the fatal fall.
Response and Consequences:
Following the incident, CAL/OSHA fined Disney $36,000 for violations related to Osorio’s death. Additionally, IATSE Local 728, the union Osorio was a member of, expressed gratitude to CAL/OSHA for their commitment to workplace safety. The union stressed the importance of ensuring that every worker returns home safely after a day’s work and called for stricter safety measures in both Union and non-Union facilities.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining safe working conditions on film and television sets. It highlights the need for regular inspections and maintenance of infrastructure, especially in high-risk areas such as catwalks and stages. Employers must prioritize the safety of their workers and provide adequate resources for ensuring a hazard-free work environment.
The death of Juan Carlos Osorio was a preventable tragedy that has led to consequences for Disney and raised awareness about workplace safety in the entertainment industry. It is essential for all stakeholders to learn from this incident and take the necessary steps to prevent similar accidents in the future. The legacy of Osorio should serve as a catalyst for positive change and a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers in the industry.