Amazon MGM's Tomb Raider Series Breached UK Safety Laws
The Health and Safety Executive ruled the production failed to protect crew from hazardous paints at Shinfield Studios.
The production of Amazon MGM's upcoming Tomb Raider television series breached United Kingdom safety laws during filming at Shinfield Studios. The ruling follows an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the handling of hazardous materials on set.
According to reports from Eurogamer and Deadline, the production violated both the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations of 2002. The breaches centered on the use of isocyanate paints, which are recognized as a leading cause of asthma. The HSE found that the production failed to provide necessary protective equipment and required biological monitoring for crew members tasked with spraying these paints. The chemicals create an "invisible mist" that can linger in the air for up to 20 minutes, posing a significant respiratory risk to those in the vicinity.
Production Context
The series, created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and starring Sophie Turner as Lara Croft, began filming in January. The production has encountered several hurdles since its start. In March, filming was paused for approximately two weeks following an injury suffered by lead actress Sophie Turner. However, officials have clarified that this injury was a separate incident and is not linked to the HSE's safety ruling regarding chemical exposure.
Industry Implications
This ruling is significant because HSE improvement notices are relatively uncommon for television productions, particularly for high-budget projects of this scale. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with using industrial-grade paints and chemicals in a studio environment. It highlights a critical need for strict adherence to biological monitoring and PPE protocols to prevent long-term health issues, such as occupational asthma, among production staff.
Current Status
The HSE issued an official improvement notice in April to address the safety failures. The production team acted on the notice and rectified the breaches within a month. While the immediate safety concerns have been resolved, the incident adds to a series of setbacks for the high-profile adaptation as it moves toward completion.