Fairground Operator Fined after Two People are Injured
A Hampshire based fairground ride operator has been fined for safety failings after an incident in which two members of the public fell from a ride.
Incident
The lap bar at on the ‘Music Trip’ ride at Andover Carnival came loose not long after the ride had started, the bar rose upwards and two members of the public slipped underneath and fell to the floor. They suffered bruising and cuts following the two meter fall from the ride.
Investigation
Basingstoke Magistrates’ court heard that an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the lap bar was not fully operative. The bar had not been correctly adjusted meaning that the ride could be operated whilst the lap bar was not properly in place. Along with this, HSE found that maintenance of the ride was poor, with the padding of the lap bar having become loose and worn over time.
Sentencing
John Searle, of The Shack, London Road, Hook, Hampshire, was one of the rides operators at the time of the incident, which took place on 20 July 2014. After pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Mr Searle was fined £865 and ordered to pay costs of £1,808.
Karen Moss, HSE inspector, said after the hearing:
“This should be a warning to other ride operators that it is simply not acceptable for people to be ejected from rides. Rides must be adequately maintained and properly adjusted to ensure that riders are not put at risk. Fairgrounds should have an illusion of danger but an underlying assurance of safety.”
Personal Injury – Expert Advice
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Source: Health & Safety Executive
