The lawyer for actor Alec Baldwin has responded to the OSHA complaint issued on Wednesday against the “Rust” production firm.
According to reports, the citation was issued by the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau following a six-month inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the injury of director Joel Souza on October 21.
Rust Movie Productions, LLC was issued a “Willful-Serious”
Rust Movie Productions, LLC was issued a “Willful-Serious” citation by New Mexico’s Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB), resulting in a $136,793 civil penalty. Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas, stated that the safety investigation cleared him.
“We are grateful to the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau for investigating this matter,” Nikas said in a statement.
“We appreciate that the report exonerates Mr Baldwin by clarifying that he believed the gun held only dummy rounds and that his authority on the production was limited to approving script changes and creative casting.”
“Mr Baldwin had no authority over the matters that were the subject of the Bureau’s findings of violations, and we are pleased that the New Mexico authorities have clarified these critical issues,” he continued.
“We are confident that the individuals identified in the report will be held accountable for this tragedy.”
The assessment stated that Rust Movie Productions LLC’s management was incompetent. “knew that firearm safety procedures were not being followed on set and demonstrated plain indifference to employee safety by failing to review work practices and take corrective action.”
On Wednesday, environmental Cabinet Secretary James Kenney stated that“there were serious management failures and more than sufficient evidence to suggest that if standard industry practices were followed, the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutching and the serious injury
to Joel Souza would not have occurred. This is a complete failure of the employer to follow recognized national protocols that keep employees safe.”
Brian Panish, an attorney for the Hutchins family, told TMZ, “We are pleased that the NM OSHA report has shed some light on the workplace safety issues that plagued Rust and led to the tragic and fatal events of Oct 21, 2021.
Our own investigation has found overwhelming evidence of recklessness and negligence on the part of the Rust production team and others.”
The “Rust” armourer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, made a statement through her lawyer, Jason Bowles, which was also sent to TMZ.“OSHA found that she was not provided adequate time or resources to conduct her job effectively, despite her voiced concerns.” Said Bowles
Bowles continued, “Critically, OSHA also determined that production failed to call Hannah to perform her armorer duties and inspect the firearm right before its use in the impromptu scene with Baldwin.
As we have stated before, had anyone from a production called Hannah back into the church before the scene to consult with her, this tragedy would have been prevented.”
READ MORE:
- Snowfall New Season 6 Release Date On Netflix! Cast, Plot, Review, Check Out!
- Rising Young Actor Chase Stock! : Net Worth, Age, Girlfriend, Height, Instagram & More
“Hannah has also reached out to OSHA recently to provide her suggestions for changes and improvement of safety standards on sets to avoid a tragic incident in the future,” he added.
Stay tuned with us on TheNuherald.com and we add new things
