November 14th 2024.
Recently, there have been concerns raised about the safety of two Melbourne schools during community events. One incident involved a jumping castle that was not properly secured, causing potential harm to those using it. WorkSafe, an organization focused on promoting safe work practices, has issued a warning ahead of the upcoming end-of-year festivities. They have emphasized the importance of proper supervision and operation when it comes to inflatable jumping castles and slides.
This warning comes after a tragic incident three years ago, where six children lost their lives when a jumping castle became airborne at Hillcrest Primary School. It is a reminder that safety should always be a top priority, especially when it comes to children's activities. WorkSafe has been actively conducting inspections at various events and theme parks this year, with a total of 380 inspections completed. As a result, they have issued 41 improvement notices and addressed 44 other safety issues immediately.
During these inspections, two Melbourne schools were flagged for safety concerns, including an improperly anchored jumping castle and exposed electrical equipment. It was also noted that an inflatable ride was set up below power lines, posing a serious risk. Sam Jenkin, the Executive Director of Health and Safety at WorkSafe, has urged event organizers to be cautious when choosing amusement hire options. While it may be tempting to go for a cheaper option, the safety of participants should always be the top priority.
Jenkin also stressed the importance of asking questions about safety equipment and procedures, and not settling for inadequate answers. The safety of everyone involved should not be compromised for the sake of saving money. In addition, WorkSafe has identified other common issues during their inspections, such as inadequate anchoring of inflatables, lack of weather protection for electrical equipment, and inadequate supervision and pedestrian management.
Jenkin has also reminded event organizers to do their due diligence when hiring amusement rides or inflatables. This includes ensuring that the ride hirer prioritizes safety in all aspects of their operation, from delivery to maintenance. Operators who cannot demonstrate proper safety procedures or provide evidence of their competence may not be a suitable choice. It is crucial to prioritize the safety of all participants, whether it be workers or members of the public.
WorkSafe has also reminded all Victorian employers, including those organizing events in their workplaces, of their legal duty to provide a safe environment for everyone. Safety should always be a top priority, and it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that proper measures are in place to prevent any potential harm. Let us all work together to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all community events.
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