In a heartbreaking turn of events, Juan Carlos Osorio, a rigger working at Radford Studios in Studio City, lost his life on February 6th while collecting lighting cable equipment high up on Stage 3 of Marvel Studios’ Wonder Man set. According to a report from CAL/OSHA, Osorio fell 41 feet to the ground after standing on a weakened section of catwalk that unexpectedly gave way beneath him. Despite the efforts of emergency medical services, Osorio was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the tragic incident, CAL/OSHA has fined Disney $36,000, holding them accountable for the safety lapses that led to Osorio’s death. The union Osorio was a member of, IATSE Local 728, has expressed gratitude towards CAL/OSHA for their commitment to workplace safety and emphasized the importance of ensuring that all workers can return home safely after a day’s work. While major studios have made efforts to retrofit their soundstages in the wake of this tragedy, there are concerns about the safety standards in non-Union facilities that may not have the resources or oversight to prioritize workplace safety.
The detailed CAL/OSHA report sheds light on the sequence of events that resulted in Osorio’s tragic death. While working on the wooden catwalks in Stage 3, Osorio and his fellow crew members were collecting lighting cable equipment when the weakened section of catwalk he was standing on suddenly collapsed. The deteriorated ledger supporting the floorboard gave way, causing Osorio to fall 41 feet and sustain fatal injuries upon impact.
The loss of Juan Carlos Osorio serves as a somber reminder of the importance of workplace safety measures and the need for stringent oversight to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring. It is crucial for all employers, whether in the entertainment industry or beyond, to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees. As investigations and discussions continue following this incident, the hope is that necessary changes will be implemented to ensure that no more lives are lost due to preventable workplace hazards.
The untimely death of Juan Carlos Osorio at Radford Studios is a tragic event that highlights the risks faced by workers in various industries. It is imperative for companies and regulatory bodies to work together to enforce strict safety protocols and prevent accidents that could have been avoided. Our thoughts are with Osorio’s loved ones during this difficult time, and we must use this as a wake-up call to prioritize the safety of all workers in every workplace.