'Walking Dead' handed maximum fine over stuntman's death

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The production company behind AMC zombie series "The Walking Dead" has been hit with the maximum possible fine over the death of a stuntman, the US government said on Friday.

The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said it had cited Stalwart Films for "failing to protect employees from fall hazards while filming the television show 'The Walking Dead'".

"OSHA issued a serious citation and proposed penalties totaling the maximum allowable fine of 12,675 US dollars," it said in a statement.

John Bernecker died in hospital in July after falling 6.70 meters from a balcony headfirst onto concrete during filming in Senoia, Georgia.

An assistant director told police Bernecker missed a safety cushion "by inches" and tried to break his fall by grabbing a railing after he slipped, which was reported at the time.

The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it had cited Stalwart Films for "failing to protect employees from fall hazards while filming the television show 'The Walking Dead'". /AFP Photo

Film and TV shows released last year were among the worst in recent history for serious accidents on set - most of which happened during filming in the previous two years.

OSHA Atlanta regional administrator Kurt Petermeyer said the death on the set of "The Walking Dead" should serve as a "wake-up call" for Hollywood.

"The entire industry needs to commit to safety practices for actors and stunt people involved in this type of work," he added.

Bernecker's resume included stunt performances in several recent films, including "Get Out", "Logan" and "The Fate of the Furious".

Stalwart Films circulated a statement describing Bernecker's death as "a tragic and terrible accident", adding that it complies with – and frequently exceeds - industry safety standards.

"We disagree with the issuance of this citation and are considering our response," it added.

Source(s): AFP