How Safe Are You at a Funfair or UK Attraction?

With the holiday season just around the corner, hundreds of people are flocking to the many Christmas pop-ups around the country for a frosty evening of festive food, mulled wine and funfair rides.

Unfortunately, pop-up fairs can also come with their risks. The awful incident at Alton Towers, which left a number of young people with serious injuries as a result of a carriage collision, highlights just how dangerous even static theme parks can be. Due to their nature, pop-up fairgrounds and attractions are often built, organised, managed and run by a range of different people and companies, so it is important to be extra vigilant when it comes to health and safety.

What funfair safety measures should I look out for?

To make sure you and your family stay safe and have a great time at your local Christmas pop-up, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Be aware that height and weight restrictions may change from ride to ride. These are put in place because the machine has been designed to hold people of a certain size, and if someone is too big or too small, they may run the risk of falling out of the ride which can result in serious injuries. So, if you’re unsure as to whether you, or anyone in your party, is at risk on a certain ride, be sure to speak to the attendant in charge.
• Keep an eye out for any safety warnings. Fences and restricted zones are there to keep you away from any unsafe areas or the dangers of fast moving machinery.
• The owners of fairgrounds have a legal responsibility to ensure that their rides are maintained to a safe standard, as well as to carry out risk assessments to ensure that the ride is safe for both members of the public and their employees to work on. Take a look at the machines before you ride; do they look solid and well presented? A well-maintained machine is more likely to look in good condition from the outside too.
• Ensure that the attendants are checking that all restraints are fastened, as well as keeping an eye on the machine while it is running.
• Remind any children that you’re with that they the need to sit still when the ride is in motion. Standing up or turning around can be dangerous, and it’s important to remain in the seat and wear a seatbelt if the ride is fitted with them.

Fairground and funfair accident compensation claims

Unfortunately, however vigilant you might be, accidents can happen. If you have been injured in an accident at a funfair or fairground that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Hampson Hughes Solicitors, our friendly team of expert lawyers will walk you through the process step by step to help ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for the injury you, or your loved one, has suffered.

For free, confidential and no obligation advice about serious injury claims, call us today on 0151 236 1222 or visit our site for more information.