According to New York Times, the Broadway Musical, “Spider Man: Turn Off the Dark” has received 2 safety violations from New York State’s Department of Labor. Both violations were issued following personal injuries that occurred last year involving an actor who fell during a performance as well as two other actors who were injured during rehearsals.
According to an anonymous state official, no financial penalties have been placed, but the producers were been given new safety protocols in December and must continue to follow them.
Christopher Tierney, one of multiple actors who portray Spider-Man, is currently in physical rehabilitation after he fell more than 20 feet from a platform to the basement beneath the stage due to an improperly attached safety tether. He sustained several injuries including multiple broken ribs, three fractured vertebrae, a broken shoulder blade and a hairline skull fracture.
“Spider Man” will be subject to unannounced inspections throughout the rest of its’ run, according to the anonymous official.
Two additional actors were injured during the sling-shot technique, in which the performer is catapulted to the lip of the stage. One actor broke both wrists while the other suffered from injuries to the feet.
Since the preview performances began on November 28th, 2010, “Spider Man” has been considered the most technically complex show ever performed in Broadway history. It is also one of the most expensive ever produced.
The state official has noted that the producers have 60 days in which to appeal the violations, which were delivered on Friday, February 11th.