As new research into the Dreamworld Thunder River Rapids incident that killed four people suggests theme parks should be treated as high-hazard workplaces, experts in workers compensation are urging parents and young workers to be vigilant about safety standards and their rights.
Head of Work and Roads in Queensland at Slater and Gordon Bree Smith said as the holiday season approaches, many teenagers take up casual jobs in high-risk environments such as theme parks, where they operate rides or perform other safety-critical tasks
“High-risk workplaces like theme parks can be especially dangerous for young and inexperienced workers.
“These workers may not yet have the skills or confidence to identify or speak up about unsafe practices,” Ms Smith said.
By deploying insights from disasters in another high-hazard industry like mining, UNSW Business School researchers Michael Quinlan and Dr Sarah Gregson found amusement parks are subject to the same ‘10 pathways’ model that has helped identify risks mining.
In the Dreamworld incident they found most of the pathway failures that were likely to increase risk were in play.
Professor Quinlan and Dr Gregson argue that: “The Dreamworld disaster, sadly, follows a familiar pattern – the implementation of adequate workplace policies and processes around safety was not undertaken until a disaster occurred.”
Know Your Rights, the law requires all employers to:
- Provide adequate training to operate machinery or perform high-risk tasks.
- Ensure all safety standards and equipment are in place and regularly maintained.
- Offer a safe working environment including clear instructions and supervision for young or inexperienced staff.
“In high-hazard workplaces, when corners are cut, workers and customers are at risk. Teenagers often assume their employers are automatically prioritizing safety, but this isn’t always the case.
“Employers have a legal obligation to provide proper training, safety equipment, and a work environment that minimizes risks. When they fail to do so, young workers can be seriously injured or even killed.
“Teenage workers and their parents should be aware that if they are injured at work, be it because of a workplace accident or unsafe conditions, support is available to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation.
“Every young worker deserves to feel safe at work and confident that their rights will be protected,” Ms Smith said.
Contact details:
Cassandra-Elli Yiannacou
cassandra.yiannacou@slatergordon.com.au
0401322593
