Ekka safety a priority as Brisbane's big show opens

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has completed a safety audit of amusement rides and equipment at this year's Ekka, Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace announced.

Ms Grace said Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) worked closely with amusement ride operators and the RNA to ensure Ekka patrons could be confident in their safety while enjoying the thrills in sideshow alley.

"The Ekka is a fantastic annual event which attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over Australia to Brisbane," Ms Grace said.

"Every year, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland audits amusement rides and equipment at the Ekka to ensure patrons not only have a fun time, but a safe time too.

"All amusement rides and equipment have been thoroughly inspected and appropriate log books audited ahead of the gates opening this morning for the 142nd Royal Queensland Show.

"Inspections and audits review key areas such as the installation of rides, maintenance records, electrical components, restraints, noise levels, crowd control and operational procedures."

During the traditional bump-in period, WHSQ has also been doing general safety checks around traffic management, licensing, construction and electrical issues. These inspections are done with the help of Licensing, Construction and Electrical Safety Office inspectors.

"WHSQ inspectors will be on site at the Ekka doing general safety patrols at least twice each day," Ms Grace said.

"As always, we are working closely with the RNA, the Showmen's Guild of Australia, the Australian Amusement and Leisure and Recreation Association, the Australian Amusements Association and showground operators to keep patrons, workers and the many dedicated volunteers safe."

The Ekka inspections are part of WHSQ's annual state-wide audit of amusement rides, which includes major rural and regional shows, as well as smaller shows, community fairs, fetes and theme parks.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.