Published Tuesday, 07 August, 2007 at 10:36 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
EKKA AMUSEMENT RIDES UNDERGO SAFETY CHECKS
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspectors are keeping a watchful eye over the Ekka again this year to ensure amusement ride operators are meeting their safety obligations.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said a team of WHSQ inspectors is overseeing the safe set up of all the equipment before the fun begins and will also patrol the showgrounds throughout the 10 days of the show.
“Inspectors are working closely with the Ekka’s own WHS officers to monitor compliance with safety standards, particularly for the amusement rides,” Mr Mickel said.
“They check a number of aspects such as the set up of the rides, maintenance records, electrical components, restraints, noise levels, crowd control and operational procedures.
“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 and theme parks.
“WHSQ works with the Showmen’s Guild of Australia, the Australian Amusement and Leisure Recreation Association and showground operators to ensure they understand and meet their obligations to keep patrons and workers safe.”
Mr Mickel also invited Ekka visitors to drop by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations’ display - themed “Working with Water” - in the Queensland Government pavilion.
“Queensland workplaces use water for many things, such as watering gardens and crops, controlling dust on construction sites and driving turbines to generate electricity.
“But many businesses and industries are becoming more ‘water wise’ and are helping to save this precious resource by using non-potable water, which is not fit for drinking, cooking or bathing, but is suitable for a wide variety of activities in workplaces if used safely.
“The Department’s display shows how WHSQ is helping them to safely use, handle, transport and store non-potable water.”
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion on 3224 6784
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said a team of WHSQ inspectors is overseeing the safe set up of all the equipment before the fun begins and will also patrol the showgrounds throughout the 10 days of the show.
“Inspectors are working closely with the Ekka’s own WHS officers to monitor compliance with safety standards, particularly for the amusement rides,” Mr Mickel said.
“They check a number of aspects such as the set up of the rides, maintenance records, electrical components, restraints, noise levels, crowd control and operational procedures.
“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 and theme parks.
“WHSQ works with the Showmen’s Guild of Australia, the Australian Amusement and Leisure Recreation Association and showground operators to ensure they understand and meet their obligations to keep patrons and workers safe.”
Mr Mickel also invited Ekka visitors to drop by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations’ display - themed “Working with Water” - in the Queensland Government pavilion.
“Queensland workplaces use water for many things, such as watering gardens and crops, controlling dust on construction sites and driving turbines to generate electricity.
“But many businesses and industries are becoming more ‘water wise’ and are helping to save this precious resource by using non-potable water, which is not fit for drinking, cooking or bathing, but is suitable for a wide variety of activities in workplaces if used safely.
“The Department’s display shows how WHSQ is helping them to safely use, handle, transport and store non-potable water.”
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion on 3224 6784