The film and television industry is a major source of employment in Vancouver and across British Columbia. Those working in the field have the opportunity to do what they love right in their own province. Unfortunately, just as in any industry, a workplace injury can happen at any time. One example comes out of a television shoot that took place earlier this month.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on August 3, 2016, near East Broadway and Guelph Street, just south of “Dude Chilling Park”. During filming for a television program, a vehicle being driven by a stunt person struck a camera operator. Vancouver Police Department officers and a WorksafeBC representative were summoned to the scene.
The 55-year old man was taken to hospital following the accident. His injuries required stitches and he suffered bruises, but he was released from hospital in the early morning. A spokesperson for the International Cinematographers Guild reported the man had gone home to recuperate, and he was expected to return to work in September.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Both the VPD Collision Investigation Unit and WorksafeBC are working to uncover what caused the accident and who may be accountable for the situation. Should the investigation into this incident reveal the accident was caused by negligence, unsafe conditions, or any avoidable circumstances, the man may have grounds for legal action.
WorksafeBC reports there have been 236 injury claims in 2016 stemming from the film and television industry in the province. When a workplace injury occurs in any field, the injured party’s first priority is his or her health. Receiving fair compensation for injuries and time missed from work can help one focus on the task of getting better. Using legal counsel familiar with labour and employment law in Vancouver may aid in the settlement process.
Source: theprovince.com, “Camera operator injured in crash on Vancouver movie set”, Tiffany Crawford, August 9, 2016
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