The battle between the adult film industry and Cal/OSHA rages on. The most recent exchange of barbs occurred as Cal/OSHA moves closer to finalizing an amended bloodborne pathogens standard to protect film workers in adult films shot in California. Leading the charge against the new regulations is the Free Speech Coalition (FSC).  Diane Duke, FSC’S Chief Executive Officer offered the following pithy quote in a recent interview:

“The safety standards were updated after five years of public hearings and debates but adult film performers said the newer set of regulations would make sex scenes look like medical dramas. Asking adult performers to wear goggles is up there with asking ballerinas to wear boots. It does not only not match the threat, it effectively prohibits production in California.”

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a supporter of Cal/OSHA’s enforcement initiative, has countered with its own “Fact Versus Fiction” list, detailing counter-arguments to the various points raised by the adult film industry.

This is an interesting discussion related to the extension of safety and health laws to non-traditional employers and workplaces. Stay tuned.