Fllm Company Fined After Cameraman Hurt On Set

A production company has been fined after a cameraman fell more than three metres from the set of a forthcoming major film.
The 62-year-old was working on the set of 47 Ronin at Shepperton Studios, Middlesex, when he fell through an opening in the floor. The opening was for access to a raised area via stairs, but had not been guarded to prevent people falling through it.
The cameraman, who suffered bruising and suspected broken ribs, was employed by Warrior Productions Limited, which was responsible for the production of the film in the United Kingdom and was in control of the set.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into the incident on 10 May 2010 found that because the film is set in 18th Century Japan the set had been built without edge protection to make it look authentic. Temporary protection had been added in some areas but not where the cameraman fell. Guardrails were added immediately after the incident.
Warrior Productions Limited, of Prospect House, New Oxford Street, London, was fined £300, ordered to pay costs of £10,500 and ordered to pay the injured person £300 compensation for breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
(CD/GK)