Employers have legal obligation to protect employees' health and safety

THE SUDDEN DEATH of Taiwan actor Gao Yixiang during the filming of a game show has sparked widespread criticism of the show's producer, who has been accused of ignoring the health and safety of the participants, and drawn attention to the health risks of working too many hours at stretch. China Daily writer Wang Yiqing comments:

According to media reports, Gao, who was one of the competitors in the game show Chase Me produced by Zhejiang Satellite TV, collapsed while running in the small hours of the morning. Although he was rushed to hospital, Gao was later declared dead having suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 35.

Gao's death has put the spotlight on the dangers of reality TV shows that not only push the participants to the limits of their physical and mental endurance but also put their lives at risk by ignoring the necessary safety precautions and failing to provide on-site medical treatment facilities. Actors' overwork and occupational injuries have been frequently exposed before Gao's death, but the production companies which are eager to pursue high audience ratings and profits have chosen to turn a blind eye to them.