www.cirquefascination.com: Cirque du Soleil officials have expressed “surprise” that OSHA leveled its findings in the investigation into the death of “Ka” artist Sarah Guillot-Guyard before either Cirque or MGM Resorts had an opportunity to issue their formal appeals into the conclusions of the government safety agency.
There have been reports that the “Ka” team was caught off-guard that the findings were made public, with six citations issued against Cirque and three against MGM Grand by OSHA investigators before either company had a chance to formally address those conclusions.
2 comments:
I wonder why Cirque was surprised that OSHA released their findings and citations before they were able to appeal. According to the article, it seems like this is common practice. It also makes sense because this case was so high-profile. It seems like OSHA would want to move quickly in order to cover their own skins as well as promote a good reputation with the public. It was a tragic event, and unfortunately, it is also likely a bit legal battle with a lot of different players. Everyone needs to make sure that they have insured themselves legally against any fallback from this performer's death.
As a previous employee of Cirque du Soleil, I find it extremely difficult to believe that Sasoun was not trained properly. There are very thorough training programs that are written up for every act and cue in every Cirque show. Even when an artist is learning to do something as simple as catch a prop from another artist, they are given training time on stage in addition to a staging rehearsal that is carried out in full show conditions before they are asked to perform the act or cue in a show. Stage Management is responsible for scheduling and documenting these trainings. An artist is never asked to go into an act or do a cue that they feel unsafe performing. I'm no expert, but I think that Cirque and MGM are right to appeal in this situation. There is an inherent danger in performing in these types of shows, and though Cirque du Soleil works to remove as many safety hazards and opportunities for human and mechanical error as possible from their shows, unfortunately, accidents happen. I hope that the truth, whatever it is, comes to light here. May Sasoun rest in peace.
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