Two event production companies face federal safety violations after a worker died during stage construction at an Orlando music festival site in October 2024.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Stage FX Inc. and James Thomas Productions LLC with serious violations for failing to maintain structural stability during stage erection and not providing proper worker training on crushing hazards.
The citations stem from OSHA’s investigation into the fatal workplace accident that occurred during festival preparations. Both companies allegedly exposed workers to dangerous conditions that led to the employee’s death.
Financial penalties and company responses
James Thomas Productions agreed to pay $19,860 to resolve the violations. Stage FX has challenged the findings and will contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
The citations highlight ongoing safety concerns in the live events industry, where workers frequently face risks from heavy equipment and temporary structures during setup and teardown operations.
Industry safety implications
The fatal incident underscores the critical importance of proper safety protocols in event production. Companies in the entertainment and live events sector regularly work with large-scale temporary structures that pose significant crushing and struck-by hazards to workers.
OSHA’s investigation focused on whether the companies followed required safety standards for structural stability and worker protection during the stage construction process. The agency provides free compliance assistance resources to help employers identify and address workplace hazards before accidents occur.
