Cal/OSHA issued citations today with proposed penalties of $77,875 to adult film production company Third Rock Enterprises Inc., also known as James Deen Productions, for multiple violations of state condom and other safety laws which exposed performers to sexually transmitted infections and illnesses.
After receiving a complaint, Cal/OSHA inspected a Third Rock film shoot in Woodland Hills on January 12th. Investigators found that producers did not protect performers through the use of condoms, as required by California’s bloodborne pathogens standard. Additionally, producers did not provide a vaccine or follow-up medical examination to employees who were potentially exposed to hepatitis B.
“Cal/OSHA requires condom use in adult films to protect workers from exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “Third Rock Enterprises failed to protect employees from illness and injury while on set.”
Third Rock Enterprises is owned and operated by Bryan Sevilla, also known by his adult film stage name James Deen. When Cal/OSHA initially opened its investigation on December 8, 2015, Sevilla and his counsel refused to provide Cal/OSHA with requested safety documentation or permission to investigate. Los Angeles Superior Court issued a warrant which then allowed Cal/OSHA to conduct the January film site inspection. Cal/OSHA cited Third Rock for failing to provide the requested safety records in addition to the serious health-related violations.
In total, Cal/OSHA issued citations today for nine violations including four serious. A serious violation is cited when there is a realistic possibility that death or serious harm could result from the actual hazardous condition. Proposed penalties total $77,875.
Workers in the adult film industry should know current laws protect them from injury and illness on the job, and where to go for help if their employer doesn’t follow those laws. More information on filing a complaint with Cal/OSHA, as well as on health and safety requirements in adult film settings can be found online or by calling (714) 558-4300.
Employers in the adult film industry must also know how to protect their employees from health and safety hazards and understand the consequences of failing to comply with state regulations.
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers and employee organizations to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.
Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
Members of the press may contact Julia Bernstein or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.
The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.
