SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A new law enforcing safety for people who work in the live event industry at city-owned venues in San Diego is now in effect.
The law, which officially went into effect on Tuesday, is the first of its kind to be adopted by a California city. San Diego Councilmember Raul Campillo introduced the ordinance late last year, and it was officially passed by the city in February.
The new ordinance stems from a history of accidents, injuries and even deaths of workers at live events. Campillo’s staff report cited an incident in 2019 when a lead rigger from San Diego fell to his death from a height of 60 feet while setting up a stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Under the new law, vendors are required to certify that anyone involved in the setup, operation or teardown of live events being held at facilities and parks owned by the city has completed a 10-hour course through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
In addition, supervisors must have completed the relevant OSHA 30-hour course and have been certified through the Entertainment Technician Certification Program.
It would apply to vendors and large event venues, including Petco Park, Pechanga Arena and the San Diego Convention Center, as well as events held within parks owned by the city. They include SeaWorld, which is located within Mission Bay Park, and the San Diego Zoo, which is inside Balboa Park.
The city’s new law follows similar workplace safety standards enforced by the state and county.
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