Six months after a crew member of the TV show COPS was killed during a police shoot out in Omaha, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration sent a letter to Langley Productions on how they can improve the safety of their employees. Area Director Bonita Winingham says the letter includes six recommendations that include filming and recording from a distance.
Winingham says production employees also need to know how to stay back when necessary.
Other recommendations include removing bonus incentives that encourage employees to take unnecessary risk, educate them on the best way to wear ballistic vests for maximum protection and the proper use, fit and care of the vests. OSHA also recommends the production company conduct a job hazard analysis to determine under what circumstances and how employees are to accompany law enforcement into situations where gunfire is likely to occur. Langley Productions will not face a penalty.
