The State of New Mexico announced April 20 a nearly $140,000 fine against a movie company responsible for the low-budget “Rust” production following a months-long investigation into last year’s shooting death on set.
The New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau determined the production did not follow industry standards for firearms safety.
The civil penalty is the highest-level citation and the largest fine allowable under state law.
“Our investigation found that this tragic incident never would have happened if Rust Movie Productions, LLC had followed national film industry standards for firearm safety,” said Environment Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “This is a complete failure of the employer to follow recognized national protocols that keep employees safe.”
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