World's Finest Shows, a company that operates amusement rides at fairs, festivals, and events across Ontario, has been fined $40,000 after pleading guilty to two safety violations after an incident at the 2023 Brigden Fair.
It comes after an investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority revealed a crack in the telescopic center mast of a ride called The Whale, which progressed to a failure of the centre mast while the ride was in motion.
It also found that the mast was not included in the routine inspection after the ride was put together.
“Once a ride is up and running, both its operation and maintenance are vital to ensuring safe use. Operating a ride according to the manufacturer’s requirements reinforces tested and verified safety requirements, and thorough maintenance checks can uncover mechanical issues that may put riders at risk, as we see in this case,” said Kelly Hart, TSSA’s Vice President of Operations, in a news release.
One child was taken to hospital after a mishap on a ride on Friday, October 6, 2023.
“Amusement ride operators have the legal responsibility to uphold safety standards in all aspects of a ride’s use, including installation, maintenance, and operation. Any oversight in these areas can potentially lead to incidents and injuries,” said Hart.
The Ontario Court of Justice has also imposed a 25 per cent victim surcharge on top of the $40,000 fine.
