LOS ANGELES - The production company behind AMC zombie series "The Walking Dead" has been hit with the maximum possible fine over the death of a stuntman, the US government said on Saturday.

The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said it had cited Stalwart Films for "failing to protect employees from fall hazards while filming the television show 'The Walking Dead.'"

"OSHA issued a serious citation and proposed penalties totaling the maximum allowable fine of $12,675," it said in a statement.

John Bernecker died in hospital in July after falling 22 feet (6.70 meters) from a balcony headfirst onto concrete during filming in Senoia, Georgia.

An assistant director told police Bernecker missed a safety cushion "by inches" and tried to break his fall by grabbing a railing after he slipped, celebrity news website TMZ reported at the time.

Film and TV shows released last year were among the worst in recent history for serious accidents on set - most of which happened during filming in the previous two years.

OSHA Atlanta regional administrator Kurt Petermeyer said the death on the set of "The Walking Dead" should serve as a "wake-up call" for Hollywood. - AFP