The Seremi de Salud of the Metropolitan Region determined that “there was duty on the part of the companies involved” in the accident that caused the death of Fabiola Flores at the beginning of September.
Almost three months have passed since the death of Fabiola Flores Hernandez who suffered an accident at the ski center The Colorado during the filming of a movie. This Monday, the Health Seremi of the Metropolitan Region reported the first sanctions for this case, specifically to the film production company Tiki Pictures already Andacor controlling company of the ski center.
In total, the companies were fined 1.000 UTM each (about $67 million) and must pay this sum for the “serious safety and risk prevention deficiencies” that lead to the accident.
The inquiry determined that “there was responsibility on the part of the companies involved in the fatal outcome.”
Given this, union associations reacted to the sanction imposed, making it clear that there is no amount that can repair the death of Fabiola Flores.
The union’s response
Guille Sorenspresident of the association of Independent Producers of Chile (API)maintains that trade associations and unions have been closely following the progress of the investigation.
“we understand that it is the maximum fine that the seremibut it will always be insufficient, which is why it leaves a bitter feeling, especially when, beyond the employing companies that are fined, there are people behind those companies, with first and last name, who are ultimately responsible for giving the instructions.and put together the production plans that led to this tragedy,” says the representative of API.
“In the case of the producer in question, Tiki Picturesis a producer that already has a history. Even though not directly as Tikiyes like the previous production company of the people in charge of Tikihave had problems with employees that have been public knowledge. It’s a shame that these types of things continue to be replicated,” he says. Sorens.
In parallel to the corresponding investigations, the union assures that they have worked together with the Ministry of Labor to reinforce security protocols in audiovisual productions.
The investigation of the Seremi determined that the young woman was not informed about the occupational risks that existed at the time of carrying out her work.
“The snow groomer was transporting cameras and filming equipment, as well as members of the production team, when said machinery is not designed for transport,” they detailed from the RM Health Seremi.
The accident
The professional was filming the Peruvian film “Single, married, widowed, divorced 2“, with the Chilean production company Tiki Films, owned by Miguel Asensio, which he created after Sobras Films, which he owned with Nicolás López, dissolved. The filming included five days of recording in Chile, after filming began three weeks ago in Peru.
After the accident in El Colorado, Flores was referred to the UC Clinic of El Colorado to be stabilized, then to the UC Christus Clinic of San Carlos de apoquindo and finally to the Clinical Hospital of the Catholic University, where she remained in a state of extreme seriousness for five days.
The accident would have occurred while Flores was traveling on a snowmobile from El Colorado, along with 4 filming workers and with production equipment.
What are the key safety measures that should be implemented in high-risk workplaces such as ski centers?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Workplace Safety in Extreme Environments
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Marquez.As an expert in workplace safety, particularly in high-risk environments like ski centers, your insights are invaluable. Let’s dive right in. The recent report from the Seremi de salud of the Metropolitan Region revealed that there was “duty on the part of the companies involved” following the tragic accident that claimed the life of Fabiola Flores hernandez.What did the inquiry find regarding the responsibilities of these companies?
Dr. Marquez: Thank you for having me. The investigation pointed out several lapses in safety protocols and risk management that are fundamental in environments such as ski centers, especially during film shoots that can increase the risks due to added activity and personnel. The companies involved did not adequately assess the potential dangers that their crew would face or implement required safety measures.
Editor: That’s incredibly concerning. What specific safety measures do you believe were overlooked in this situation?
Dr.Marquez: Key safety measures include proper training for all personnel on site, thorough risk assessments before any activity, and consistent monitoring of conditions. In the ski industry, where variables like weather and terrain can change rapidly, companies must ensure that all employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowlege to respond to emergencies. Unfortunately, those measures often get sidelined for the sake of expediency, especially in entertainment productions.
Editor: It seems like there might be a tension between operational demands and necessary safety protocols. In your opinion, how can companies strike a better balance?
Dr. Marquez: That’s an excellent point. Companies should build a culture of safety that prioritizes it at all organizational levels. This means not just training staff but also empowering them to halt operations if safety standards are not being met. Regular safety drills and maintenance checks can’t be done as mere formalities; they must be ingrained into the company’s daily routines.
Editor: Following such a tragedy, how can the industry learn and adapt to prevent similar incidents in the future?
Dr. Marquez: First and foremost, openness is key. Investigations should lead to public reports that detail what went wrong and how improvements can be made. The involvement of regulatory bodies, like the Seremi de Salud, must be taken seriously. Additionally, industries should foster dialog among all stakeholders, including workers, to discuss safety concerns openly and implement constructive feedback.
Editor: Moving forward, what changes would you advocate for in legislation or industry regulations regarding safety in extreme environments like ski resorts?
Dr. Marquez: I believe we need stricter enforcement of existing safety regulations and the introduction of new ones that take into account the complexities of modern work environments. This may include mandatory safety certifications for all crew members involved in high-risk activities, more thorough inspections of facilities, and penalties for non-compliance that serve as a real deterrent.
Editor: Your insights are essential, Dr. Marquez. As the investigation progresses and more information comes to light, we hope that the tragedy of Fabiola Flores Hernandez leads to real changes in the industry. Thank you for your expertise today.
Dr. Marquez: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to advocate for safety so that we can prevent future tragedies and ensure a safe working environment for everyone.
