Safe Amusement Rides and the Safety and Buildings Division

The first thing you may think about when you hear "Division of Safety and Buildings" is our built environment. From the single-family home to the tallest buildings in the state, the first thought of most individuals focuses on the buildings and components that make them up. Our first focus, however, is on safety. The occupational safety section is charged with a number of programs. From occupational safety to fire department safety and health to amusement ride safety, the occupational safety section enforces by inspection the rules of health safety and welfare outside of our built environment.

Under the administrative rules of COMM 34, the amusement ride safety section performs inspections on amusement rides in the state. Amusement ride staff inspects both traveling and permanent ride sites.

Looking forward to another safe amusement ride and festival season, the inspection staff would like to share the following tips that you can follow while enjoying the summer with your family and friends.

Check your own restraints. Buckle any seatbelt, make sure your lap bar or over-the-shoulder restraint locks down, visually inspect pins and door latches. If you find a problem that the ride operator missed, speak up - so it can be fixed before you ride.

Keep your hands and arms inside the car at all times. We hear the warnings so many times we may no longer pay any attention but take the time to listen to all warnings and instructions - and follow them. Stay seated, and keep all body parts you away from tracks and machinery.

You must be this tall. Don't argue with the ride operator because your child is too short to ride. The ride manufacturers set the limit, not the ride operator. Restrictions are based on the size and position of the ride's restraint system. It's better for your child to not ride and be disappointed than to slip from the ride and suffer an injury.

Respect posted ride restrictions. Some rides restrict pregnant women and persons with back problems, heart conditions, etc. These are usually rides that involve sharp, sudden movements or a great deal of shaking about. Don't assume that the park is exaggerating the danger. If you know of a reason why you or your child shouldn't ride, don't ride.

Don't stand up on roller coasters or other rides. Those signs at the top of the lift hill are there for a reason - standing on a sit-down coaster puts your center of gravity much too high, and the same forces that ordinarily keep you in your seat now work to throw you out of the train.

Don't rock the boat - or the log or the vehicle or the seat of any ride. Let the ride provide the motion -- attempts to jazz up a ride by rocking or swinging can cause the ride to jam or shut down and you could get hurt in the process.

Report problems. If you notice an unsafe condition or see someone doing something foolish, notify a ride operator or guest services. After all, they can't fix what they may not know about. It's better to feel embarrassed over a misunderstanding than feel guilty because an accident was about to happen and you failed to stop it.

Remember these tips when enjoying your summer around Wisconsin. For more information regarding amusement ride safety, please contact David Vriezen at 608-261-2503.

-- David Vriezen