Worksafe has issued a warning to help school communities protect against ‘”serious risks” after two Melbourne schools were flagged for having “unsafe” set-ups at community events.
The warning from the Victorian organisation that strives to prevent workplace injuries, illness and fatalities comes as the trial connected to Tasmania’s Hillcrest Primary School tragedy – following the death of six children three years ago at a school event – continues.
Six children, Peter Dodt, Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Marie Jones, Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan and Addison Stewart, died after the jumping castle that was set up at their school was flung 10m in the air.
Jumping castle owner Rosemary Gamble has been charged with one count of failure to comply with health and safety duty category 2. She has entered a ‘not guilty’ plea.
The trial will continue on Monday 18 November, with evidence for the defence still to be heard.
Inspectors find jumping castle safety breach at Melbourne school
In Victoria, WorkSafe has completed 380 inspections at 44 events and theme parks since the start of this year, with Inspectors issuing a total of 41 improvement notices and addressing another 44 identified safety issues immediately, including two Melbourne schools. One of these incidents involved a jumping castle that was not properly anchored, while the second school was identified as having unprotected electrical equipment at a community event. An inflatable ride had also been set up below power lines.
With end-of-year festivities playing a significant part on many school calendars in the coming weeks, Worksafe says serious risks can occur if inflatable jumping castles and slides are not supervised or operated correctly.
“Well-meaning parents and volunteers organising events on a tight budget may be tempted to choose a cheaper, less professional amusement hire option, but backyard operators just aren’t worth the risk,” says WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin.
“No one wants a 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.
“Anyone considering hiring amusement rides or inflatables for events must do their due diligence and ensure the ride hirer prioritises safety in all aspects of their operation, including delivery, set-up, operation, pack-up and maintenance.
“Operators who can’t demonstrate safety procedures and provide evidence of their competence and maintenance checks, such as a logbook and training records, may not be a suitable choice.”
