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Star Wars producers feel the force of the Health and Safety Executive

Foodles Production (UK) Ltd, a subsidiary of Disney, responsible for the $2bn grossing Star Wars film ‘Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens’ (released in 2015) is being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding an incident involving Harrison Ford during filming.

Harrison Ford sustained an injury whilst filming for the Star Wars film at Pinewood studios on the 12th of June 2014.  Filming had to be postponed, as Ford required surgery and recovery time. The cause of Harrison Ford’s injury was a hydraulic door of the Millennium Falcon malfunctioning and striking his leg.

Following the HSE’s investigation, it deemed that there was sufficient evidence around the incident for them to bring four criminal charges relating to health and safety breaches. A HSE spokesperson said that employers should take necessary steps to ensure their workers’ safety – “this is as true on a film set as a factory floor”.

 

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The case was due to be heard on 12th May by High Wycombe Magistrates Court but was adjourned to 9th June.

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Monica Atwal

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About this article

  • Subject
    Star Wars producers feel the force of the Health and Safety Executive
  • Author
    Monica Atwal
  • Expertise
    Employment
  • Published
    01 July 2016
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