Cal/OSHA Begins Investigation of Kink.com

LOS ANGELES  — Cal/OSHA has opened an investigation into Kink.com, which is based in San Francisco, in response to a complaint filed by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) about the studio's filming practices.

AHF this week targeted Kink in a formal Notice of Alleged Safety or Health Hazards complaint "over recent filming that may have exposed employees—adult film performers—to infectious disease by exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials."

The complaint against Kink was initiated after adult performer Cameron Bay confirmed she had tested HIV-positive last week. She last performed in a porn scene on a Kink.com set on July 31. Bay had tested negative on July 27 via "the most sensitive HIV tests available," Kink indicated.

"On Wednesday, two Cal/OSHA inspectors visited The Armory and initiated a inspection, after a complaint filed by AHF against Kink.com," Kink founder Peter Acworth said. "The Kink facilities manager and production manager welcomed the inspectors and spent a couple of hours providing the requested information and completing a 'walk around' inspection of the entire Armory.  

"We worked closely with the inspectors to provide them with all of the information about the Armory, and the inspectors had access to all areas of our production facilities. The complaint was not based on any actual issues from that shoot, but was filed by the AHF as part of their larger objection to the industry in general. Regardless, performer safety is not an issue to be taken lightly, and we were happy to take Cal/OSHA into the Armory and discuss our safety protocols, which are some of the most stringent in the industry."

According to the LA Times, OSHA can impose fines of up to $70,000 for workplace safety and health violations and in some cases can seek criminal penalties.

Acworth further detailed Kink's shooting protocols in a blog on his website Thursday.

Kink spokesman Michael Stabile also noted that "every model that performs at Kink is offered the option of requesting a condom (at any time)—before or during a shoot. We really believe this should be driven by the performers."