Calls for a dedicated film safety law have increased after a fatal accident on the set of 'Love & War'. The incident highlights the lack of standardized safety regulations, prompting experts to demand mandatory risk assessments and stricter accountability to protect workers in the Indian entertainment sector.
Detailed Coverage
The recent tragic death of a worker due to an electric shock on the set of the film Love & War has brought the issue of workplace safety in the Indian entertainment industry into sharp focus. Currently, there is no single, dedicated legislation governing safety on film sets in India. Instead, production houses rely on a collection of general labor laws, local permit conditions, and criminal statutes, which experts argue provides inadequate protection for crew members and technicians.
Need for Standardized Safety Frameworks
Industry professionals are calling for a transition from a reactive approach—which often focuses on compensation after an accident—to a proactive safety culture. Proponents of this shift suggest that the industry should adopt mandatory practices similar to those found in other high-risk sectors. Key recommendations include conducting documented risk assessments for hazardous scenes, ensuring that certified safety professionals are present during filming, and performing independent compliance audits before starting work on complex or high-risk sequences.
Liability and Legal Risks for Producers
The absence of specific industry-wide safety legislation does not exempt production houses from legal consequences. Under existing laws, including provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, directors, producers, line producers, and contractors can face criminal and civil liability if negligence is established in the event of an injury or death. Legal experts note that lawsuits often involve multiple stakeholders, as responsibility for on-set hazards can be shared among the various teams involved in production and site management.
Industry Operational Challenges
Beyond the need for new laws, the entertainment sector faces recurring operational challenges that contribute to safety risks. These include the use of temporary structures, complex pyrotechnics, and intense, often prolonged, working hours that can lead to fatigue and human error. Film producer Anand Pandit has emphasized that the industry requires clearer, non-negotiable guidelines for stunt and action sequences. He highlights that consistent practices, such as mandatory daily equipment inspections and the presence of dedicated on-site medical teams, are essential to mitigating these hazards. As the Indian media and entertainment sector continues to grow in production scale and investment, the development of robust insurance coverage and formal safety protocols remains a critical monitorable for the long-term sustainability and governance of production houses.