Keeping children safe at fairgrounds this summer - 20 June 2007

With Newcastle’s traditional "Hoppings" funfair about to open on the Town Moor, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today issued advice to parents to ensure their children can enjoy the amusements in safety.

HSE Principal Inspector David Cole said:

"The risk attached to rides at the Hoppings and funfairs in general is often an essential part of their attraction, and we don’t want to detract from the enjoyment children get from this aspect. But operators have to ensure that the activity is controlled so there is no serious danger, and parents need to know how they can be sure that this has been done.

"It’s an unfortunate fact that this does not always happen. In recent years there have been over 30 major accidents to members of the public on fairgrounds in the North East region."

The first action any parent should take before allowing a child onto a funfair ride is to check that it is displaying the Amusement Devices Inspection Procedure Scheme (ADIPS) sticker.

The ADIPS scheme was created by the HSE in conjunction with the industry through the Fairground and Amusement Parks Joint Advisory Committee to provide a framework for owners and operators of funfair rides to ensure essential safety measures have been taken.

Mr Cole added:

"Don’t let children go on rides that have not got an ADIPS safety sticker. Parents should also exercise their judgement by steering clear of rides that look in poor condition or where the attendants are not paying attention to the children.

"There are other simple precautions that parents should take themselves or instil into their children.

"Parents should check that their children are above the required height for the ride they are going on, and that safety belts and other restraints are securely fitted when they get aboard.

"They should make sure children pay attention to safety instructions given to them by the rider operator.

"They should also impress on children the importance of sitting still. HSE research shows that young children have a far lower perception of risk than adults and while on fairground rides they may turn, kneel or even stand up in order to maintain eye contact with their parents if they have not been told to stay in their seats".

"Sensible risk management is about practical steps to protect people from real harm and suffering, not about stopping people enjoying themselves where the risks are managed. Funfair operators know what they have to do to meet safety requirements, and with parents playing their part too there is no reason why our children should not enjoy the attractions of this summer’s funfairs without any tragic accidents occurring".

Return to Main Press Releases Page