Jumping castle safety breaches exposed by WorkSafe Victoria
Just months after six children died in a horror jumping castle tragedy in Tasmania, Victorian operators have been found to be flouting safety protocols around their potential death traps.
Melbourne City
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Several Victorian inflatable ride operators have been found to be flouting safety protocols just four months after six children were killed in a jumping castle tragedy in Tasmania.
WorkSafe is urging ride operators and event organisers hiring them to review their health and safety obligations after it recently found “inadequate risk controls” at three separate sites.
This included one operator who placed anchor weights beside their inflatable ride without connecting them because it “wasn’t windy enough”.
Inspectors issued the operator of one ride with compliance notices over a number of safety issues, including a lack of adequate anchorage, while inspectors also saw a 4.7m inflatable device set up underneath power lines.
Operators can face fines of more than $300,000 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 for failing to meet health and safety requirements.
It comes after Hillcrest Primary School students Zane Mellor, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Jye Sheehan, Addison Stewart and Peter Dodt were killed in a horror jumping castle tragedy last December.
The Herald Sun previously reported a gust of wind carried the jumping castle and nearby zorb balls into the air before the children plummeted to the ground.
WorkSafe executive director health and safety Narelle Beer said a failure to control the risks associated with inflatable amusement devices could easily lead to tragedy.
“As we’ve seen in the past when things have gone wrong with inflatable rides, the consequences can be devastating,” Dr Beer said.
“There is simply no excuse for putting members of the public at risk and WorkSafe will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action against those operators not meeting their health and safety obligations.”
Dr Beer said it was important event organisers hiring inflatables ensured the ride operator was competent.
All Victorian employers, including those organising events, have a duty under the OHS Act to provide a safe workplace for both their own workers and other people, including members of the public.
WorkSafe’s inspection program includes planned inspections of amusement rides at all major events and regional shows, along with targeted inspections of smaller shows and pop-up events in paddocks, car parks and shopping centres.
Inspections assess factors such as safety systems, wear and tear, maintenance history and whether or not ride operators or attendants have been properly trained.
In a statement, the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association Inc, said:
“Our industry operates to the highest of global standards and the safety and wellbeing of guests is the utmost priority of our industry to ensure we provide a safe and enjoyable experience now, and for many years to come.
“We work closely with the regulatory bodies across all states and territories in Australia and respect their processes and procedures.”
Details: worksafe.vic.gov.au
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