British health authorities announce they have issued criminal charges against Foodles Production, the producers of
Star Wars: The Force Awakens, over the on-set accident which injured Harrison Ford. The accident, which occurred at Pinewood Studios in June 2014, involved hydraulics on the set of the Millennium Falcon, and suspended production on the film for two weeks, while Ford, who was 71 at the time, recovered from surgery for his broken leg. The charges against Foodles Production (UK) Ltd, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Co., involved four breaches of workplace health and safety laws; "by law, employers must take reasonable steps to protect workers — this is as true on a film set as a factory floor." Foodle Productions responded, saying
the safety of cast and crew was "a top priority", and they are disappointed by the decision to prosecute. The first court hearing is scheduled for this May.
(Source
THR)
