OSHA issues 'COPS' producers hazard alert letter after sound tech's death during Omaha, Nebraska, filming

Employer name: Langley Productions Inc., Santa Monica, California

Inspection site: Wendy's Restaurant, 4308 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska

On Aug. 28, 2014 the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Omaha Area Office initiated an inspection after a 38-year-old sound technician employed by Langley Productions was struck and killed by a stray bullet during filming of the television show "COPS." The incident occurred while producers filmed an attempted armed robbery at a fast food restaurant.

Investigation findings: OSHA has issued Langley Productions a hazard alert letter which includes several recommendations to the company on how to prevent fatalities and injuries.

"This tragedy is painful proof that those producing reality shows can encounter potentially fatal hazards. It is imperative that Langley Productions and other film industry companies take greater steps to protect workers during filming," said Bonita Winingham, OSHA's area director in Omaha. "The steps we recommend will help film industry companies prevent this from happening again."

The recommendations include:

• Instruct and train employees on how to film and record from a distance in situations where gunfire is occurring or can be reasonably anticipated to occur.
• Remove bonus incentives that may encourage employees to take risks to obtain attention-grabbing or action-packed stories.
• Instruct and train employees on how to orient their bodies so their ballistic vests provide maximum protection when shots are fired.
• Instruct and train employees on the proper use, fit, storage, care and maintenance of the ballistic vests they are provided.
• Instruct and train employees how to take cover in situations where gunfire is occurring or can be reasonably anticipated to occur.
• Conduct a job hazard analysis to determine under what circumstances and how employees are to accompany law enforcement into crime scenes where it is reasonable to expect that gunfire is likely to occur, including scenes of armed robbery and scenes where suspects are brandishing or are reported to be brandishing weapons.

Langley Productions, Inc. is a television production company that produces television shows such as "COPS" and "JAIL" which air in the United States and internationally. The company employs approximately 50 individuals, with 28 working in the field throughout the United States.

View hazard alert letter at: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Langley_Productions_992449_0213_15.pdf