Rust Movie Productions issued 'willful' citation for Halyna Hutchins' on-set death
ABC News
An investigation found that management knew firearm safety procedures were not being followed on set.
Rust Movie Productions was issued a "willful" citation, including a $136,793 penalty, on Wednesday for failures that led to cinematographer Halyna Hutchins' "avoidable death" on the set of "Rust" last October. This is the highest level of citation and maximum fine allowable by state law in New Mexico.
"Rust Movie Productions, LLC was cited for the plain indifference to the recognized hazards associated with the use of firearms on set that resulted in a fatality, severe injury, and unsafe working conditions," the New Mexico Environment Department's Occupational Health and Safety Bureau said in a press release.
Hutchins died and the film's director was hospitalized after a prop gun held by Alec Baldwin fired a live round on the set of "Rust."
The OHSB released the results of an investigation into Hutchins' death last October, finding that "management 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."
