The film production company in charge of the set where actor Harrison Ford was injured while filming Star Wars: The Force Awakens is being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The HSE announced it was bringing four charges against London-based Foodles Production (UK) Ltd after the incident in June 2014, in which the actor suffered a broken leg and other injuries when he was hit by a hydraulic door on the set of the Millennium Falcon.
You may not be a film producer making Hollywood blockbusters, but it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees at work. As well as good health and safety policies, your business should also consider employers’ liability insurance in addition to your general business insurance.
A spokesman for HSE said: “The charges relate to an incident during filming of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which left Harrison Ford with serious injuries after he was hit by a heavy hydraulic door.
“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.”
HSE said that it was bringing charges against Foodles Production (UK) Ltd because it was responsible under health and safety legislation for managing the risks created during production.
Two of the alleged breaches are covered in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and relate to ensuring the health, safety and welfare at work of employees and people not in the company’s employment. The other two relate to alleged breaches of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
The production company has been ordered to appear before High Wycombe Magistrates Court on 12 May.
