WorkSafe Inspectors last month found unsafe set-ups of popular amusement equipment at two Melbourne schools – the identified hazards included a jumping castle that wasn’t anchored down, unprotected electrical equipment and an inflatable ride set up beneath power lines.
WorkSafe also warned against ride hirers who drop off inflatables leaving it to untrained volunteers and customers to set-up and operate safely.
"No one wants celebration to turn to tragedy, that’s why it’s crucial that event organisers ask questions about safety equipment, systems and processes – and if you’re not satisfied with the answers, go elsewhere" says WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin.
In 2024 WorkSafe have completed 380 inspections at 44 events and theme parks – from major events such as the Royal Melbourne Show and Australian Grand Prix, to smaller scale festivals and regional shows. As a result of these visits inspectors have issues 41 improvement notices and have had duty holders immediately address another 44 identified safety issues.
Operators of amusement equipment must identify all hazards and implement control measures to eliminate or reduce any risks.
All Victorian employers, including those organising community events in their workplaces, have a legal duty to provide a safe workplace for both their own workers and other people, including members of the public.
To control risks associated with operating an inflatable device, duty holders should:
- Ensure land-borne inflatable devices are adequately anchored, even when low winds are forecast, or the inflatable device is not operational.
- Establish a system of work for regularly monitoring wind speed to ensure that there is sufficient warning and detection of the maximum wind speed. If monitoring indicates that the inflatable's maximum rated wind speed is likely to be exceeded, it should be deflated.
- Ensure safe access and egress points are provided - including making sure the various components of the device (such as window mesh or screening) do not cause a hazard resulting from entrapment of clothing or part of a body.
- Locate electrical blowers in an appropriate position to ensure that they cannot be accessed by members of the public and are weather protected where required.
- Ensure appropriate supervision and monitoring is undertaken by people who have been trained in the safe operation of the device, including when the device is being inflated or deflated.
- Carry out post-assembly, daily (before use) and annual checks to ensure that any risk associated with their use is monitored and controlled, including inspections for wear and tear in the fabric.
Anyone with a concern about the safety of an inflatable amusement device should report it to WorkSafe's advisory service on 1800 136 089.
Read more - End-of-year event warning on amusement ride risks | WorkSafe Victoria