The $65-million Broadway musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, beset by spidery actors falling from the heights and landing on the stage from the beginning of rehearsals, is now facing $12,500 in fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which issued four citations on Friday (March 4, 2011).
That's not all. In February, the New York State Department of Labor cited the show's producer, 8 Legged Productions LLC, for two safety violations after performer Christopher Tierney plunged some 20 feet into an opening next to the stage and required surgery for cracked vertebrae.
OSHA issued a statement saying that the cast had been exposed to "the hazards of falls or being struck during flying routines because of improperly adjusted or unsecured safety harnesses."
Spider-Man spokesman Rick Miramontez said the show "remains in compliance with all government agencies and continues to adhere to all safety protocols."
While $12,500 might not be much for a multimillion-dollar Broadway spectacular, businesses of all sizes can run afoul of OSHA regulations. Visit Personnel Concepts' OSHA Programs and Kits Web section today to procure the tools you need to stay in compliance.