24 Aug 2017
Industrial manslaughter laws to be introduced following Dreamworld tragedy
BY Tom Anstey
Queensland’s state government is set introduce industrial manslaughter laws, with safety around theme park rides to also be tightened, following the deaths of four people at Dreamworld last year.
A government safety review was carried out following the tragedy, in which Cindy Low, Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett and Roozi Araghi were killed when two rafts on the park’s Thunder River rapids ride collided.
The review, conducted by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ), outlined a number of ongoing public safety issues, namely the lack of training or qualifications for ride operators.
“By way of comparison, a high-risk work licence is required to operate a forklift truck and arguably the risk associated with the operation of certain large amusement devices is significantly higher than for a forklift,” it said.
“Poor mechanical integrity and lack of modern safety control measures”, were also raised as a significant concern for older rides. The report also found that some rides at events such as fairs or shows aren’t subjected to any major inspection requirements.
As a result of the review, the government will introduce industrial manslaughter laws that will hold corporations and negligent individuals responsible for any deaths. It is also creating new maintenance, operation and competency requirements for the inspection and operation of park rides.
“Under our proposed laws, the maximum penalty for industrial manslaughter will be 20 years imprisonment for an individual, with a maximum fine of AU$10m (US$7.9m, €6.7m, £6.2m) for a corporate offender,” said industrial relations minister Grace Grace.
“Importantly, companies won’t be able to hide behind elaborate corporate structures to evade their responsibilities.
“Our harsher penalties will serve as a deterrent to employers who are tempted to cut corners when it comes to safety in the workplace.”
In May, Deborah Thomas, CEO of Dreamworld’s parent company Ardent Leisure, stepped down from her position to take up a new role within the company in order to oversee the company’s troubled theme park division, which suffered a 34 per cent fall in revenue to AU$70.9m (US$56m, €47.4m, £43.6m), reflecting the Dreamworld closure and lower visitation levels after it reopened.
The accident has also caused a ripple effect for Australia’s theme parks, with Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild all reporting continued drops in attendance.
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