Two production companies have been cited following a worker’s 2024 death.
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In a recent press release, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that they’ve cited Stage FX Inc. and James Thomas Productions LLC following an inspection concerning an October 2024 employee fatality.
Misael Aguirre, a stagehand from Texas, was killed after a black steel piece of scaffolding fell on top of him during set up for the 2024 Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) EDM music festival in Orlando, Florida, the local Fox affiliate reported. He was 33, according to the outlet.
Aguirre, who was employed by James Thomas Productions, suffered the fatal incident at Camping World Stadium. The outlet reported that Aguirre was initially alert and talking. That fact made those around him believe that his injuries were not life-threatening, according to the outlet.
However, Aguirre did later succumb to his injuries. The outlet reported that the Medical Examiner later determined that Aguirre died from blunt impact to his head, neck, and torso. He also had cuts to his liver and lung, per the outlet.
Orlando police ruled Aguirre’s death accidental and no chargers were filed, per the outlet.
Production Companies Cited for Serious Safety Violations
However OSHA’s press release revealed that they’ve cited the two production companies with serious violations. The violations accused the companies of failing to maintain structural stability during the erection of a stage.
OSHA additionally claimed that the companies failed to provide proper employee training on the associated hazards.
The local station, citing a police report it obtained, reported that there was “no set procedure” in place for building the scaffolding.
Several people acknowledged safety concerns, according to the outlet. However, no one spoke up or took action to address those concerns, the police reported stated, per the outlet.
“Miseal was killed due to injuries he sustained when a purlin broke and the black steel brace fell on him,” the report said, according to the outlet. “Although more purlins in place, a forklift holding the steel brace, or other precautions may have prevented his death, there was no set procedure in place for the assembly.”
James Thomas Productions, OSHA said, paid $19,860 to address the violations. Meanwhile, Stage FX has contested the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, OSHA said.
According to the outlet, neither company has spoken out about OSHA’s findings.
Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage
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