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Recent incidents at funfairs have sparked concerns about the safety of the industry. Jade Harrison, a victim of a ride accident at Hull Fair in 2019, recounted her harrowing experience of being thrown from a ride and sustaining serious injuries. Her story is not unique, as thousands of individuals have been injured at funfairs, amusement parks, and theme parks across England, Scotland, and Wales over the past decade. According to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were 3,188 reported injuries between April 2014 and March 2024, with 350 incidents occurring in 2023/24 alone.
While funfair rides undergo rigorous inspections upon manufacture and annually afterward, a BBC Panorama investigation has highlighted concerns within the industry regarding the regulation of these inspections. Issues such as accidents, criminal convictions, and safety warnings have been linked to particular inspectors, raising questions about the effectiveness of safety measures in place. David Geary, owner of the inspection company DMG Technical, has been at the center of controversy, with a history of inspecting rides that were later involved in accidents.
In Jade’s case, her accident on the Airmaxx 360 ride resulted in severe injuries, including a broken jaw and internal bruising. The HSE investigation into the incident revealed inadequate mechanical design of the restraints, pointing to potential safety oversights. Furthermore, revelations about previous incidents involving DMG Technical’s inspections have raised concerns about the thoroughness of safety checks within the industry.
Following Mr. Geary’s suspension from the Adips safety scheme, questions about the adequacy of the current regulatory framework have emerged. An industry insider voiced concerns about the competency and diligence of some ride examiners, suggesting that the Adips scheme may not be fully effective in ensuring safety standards. The HSE is now reviewing its safety guidance to determine if necessary updates are required to enhance safety measures at funfairs. The need for a comprehensive overhaul of safety protocols within the industry has been emphasized by experts like ride inspector Alex Nicholls, who underscore the importance of preventing similar accidents from occurring in the future
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