David Dobrik is back on YouTube again after two months of silence following his apology video after a member of his Vlog Squad was accused of sexual assault. Dobrik conveniently left out of this video is what happened to Jeff Whittek the year prior. For those not as well versed in the world of YouTube, Dobrik was driving an excavator while his fellow YouTuber hung off a rope attached to the heavy construction machinery. This stunt led to a shocking (but not actually shocking to anyone who possesses common sense) accident with Whittek being hospitalized. White stated that he tore some ligaments in his leg, broke his foot and hip, shattered his skull in 9 places, and almost lost his eye as well as his life.
So how is it that Dobrik is back posting vlogs like nothing happened when his previous content caused this life-altering disaster? How is it that his only punishment is 100,000 fewer subscribers, a tiny drop in his 18.3 million subs bucket? And how are there not laws to prevent these things from happening?
Well, there are laws to prevent accidents in the workplace. They don’t extend to YouTubers. In the film industry, many requirements must be met before filming. An Injury and Illness Protection Program (IIPP) with a detailed, written safety plan must be readily available at all times. Stunt coordinators are hired to ensure the safety of actors and stunt workers. Productions must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) who periodically inspect sets, and hand out citations if needed. Insurance is required for all sets, including workers’ compensation, in case someone is hurt while on the job. Basically, if any cast or crew members feel unsafe at work, they have assigned people they can reach for help.
So the real question is, why is Dobrik exempt from these laws and regulations? Just like many other YouTubers, his vlogs’ production is similar to a film industry set. In the past decade, we’ve seen a massive jump in YouTube content as far as size and value. They have producers, camera operators, sound operators, editors, talent, the list goes on. If what makes up a shoot for a youtube video and a film are similar, then the laws it must abide by should also be the same. I’m not saying that your 12-year-old cousin that makes parkour videos with his friends needs to hire a stunt coordinator. But large scale productions should have safety guidelines in place. And if it results in a nearly fatal accident, they should be penalized. This isn’t the first time a YouTuber was seriously injured for the sake of getting content- not even the first time in a David Dobrik vlog- and it won’t be the last until these film industry regulations are extended to YouTube productions.
Words by Lauren Helgason.