Ray Malerbi – http://thepinetree.net
[Statement from Boyd Jensen, Spokesman from the California Portable Ride Operators Association (CalPRO) regarding the release of the investigative findings of the Department of Industrial Relations, Amusement Ride Unit respecting the Calaveras County Fair incident May 16th, 2008.] Regarding the DOSH report the most salient facts are that (1) “There was no evidence that operator error contributed to the accident or its severity” (p. 75 DOSH Report.) (2) The California State Amusement Ride Inspection Unit…..
inspected this Yo-Yo ride on multiple occasions and approved it for operation
prior to its being offered to the public (p. 9 DOSH Report et. seq.) (3) The Yo-Yo Ride has been improved so that this cannot happen again. The mechanical failure causing this incident was fixed by the ride manufacturer with the addition of a simple gauge plate, cap screws, washers and safety wire (p 53 DOSH Report) – estimated at about $20 worth of hardware. Since September 4, 2008 this modification is required on all Yo-Yo rides.
The Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee, have an extraordinary
history of safety and care for all those who attend its Fair each year. Brass Ring Amusements dba Midway of Fun has operated rides all over the state of
California to many thousands of people and its rides are inspected by both
private and California State Inspectors so they operate safely. It is unquestioned that the carnival ride operators of the state of California have an outstanding safety record exceeding every other form of amusement including permanent amusement rides at parks. It is unquestioned that unexpected incidents can occur in spite of safety precautions being taken and excellent ride designs and operations. Every time incidents like this do happen everyone in the amusement industry feels sorrow and wants to do everything they can to support those injured and make sure similar incidents are not repeated.
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