LOS ANGELES — A New Mexico government agency handed the "Rust" movie production its maximum fine of $136,793 for safety violations that led to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins last October.
The agency concluded that the management of the production knew that firearm safety procedures were not being followed on set and failed to review work practices and take corrective action, New Mexico's Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) said in a statement Wednesday. The Bureau issued a “willful" citation and found management demonstrated indifference to employee safety.
“Our investigation found that this tragic incident never would have happened if Rust Movie Productions, LLC had followed national film industry standards for firearm safety,” New Mexico Environment Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said in a statement. “This is a complete failure of the employer to follow recognized national protocols that keep employees safe.”
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