Disneyland recently announced plans to re-open next month after being closed for a year. The Anaheim theme part will assuredly have their employees working for the next month to get everything prepared for the re-opening.
Hopefully, the park dedicates some time to teach their workers how to avoid getting hurt on the job, as industry data shows that injuries are quite common among amusement park workers.
The most common injuries among amusement park workers
Moving vehicles, whether they come in the form of service vehicles or rides, can be dangerous. It’s not uncommon for workers to suffer injuries or die after being struck by these. Good lockout procedures that isolate power to a ride can significantly impact struck-by incident rates such as these.
Theme park workers can always benefit from receiving training about how far they should stay away from moving parts like rides. Park owners should also install warning signs to highlight any other potential dangers, like electrical hazards or fall zones. It’s also critical that amusement parks install cameras or mirrors in blind spots, so workers don’t unknowingly walk into dangerous situations.
Amusement park owners and managers should also train their workers to vocalize any discomfort in running a ride and any safety concerns that they may notice.
Amusement parks have an obligation toward worker safety
Theme parks must all keep a listing of potential workplace hazards their workers might face in what’s called an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) log.
This log must be easily accessible for employees to review. It must list any potential risks associated with the use of specific equipment or job roles, as well as the park’s ownership’s commitment to mitigate those risks. Amusement park employers must detail the protocol for reporting potentially dangerous situations along with the IIPP log as well.
What you can do if you’re injured at your amusement park job
Many theme park workers face some of the same injury risks that parkgoers do. Many of the hazards that they have to contend with the results of a park owner’s failure to adequately warn of potential dangers or poor maintenance.
California’s workers’ compensation laws provide employees with the ability to receive compensated medical care, lost wages and other benefits associated with their job-related injury or illness. Speaking with an attorney is often the best way to understand your rights and your options for compensation.
