Have fun at the fair? Yes, with a bit of care - 23 May 2007

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is encouraging North West parents to take care of their children when visiting funfairs this summer. “The risk of danger is part of the attraction of many rides,” says HSE’s regional fairground inspector Paul Spurrier, “but parents and ride operators can make sure that risk is controlled so their children can have the maximum excitement but with their actual risk reduced to a minimum.

“There have been 40 confirmed incidents occurring at fairs and amusement parks in the North West since 2001, resulting in 22 major injuries, which illustrates the potential for danger.

“These have occurred frequently because safety instructions have been ignored or overlooked. A large number of accidents at fairgrounds and theme parks could be avoided if parents took a few simple precautions.

Paul Spurrier continues: “HSE advises parents to check that their children are above the required height to ride on attractions, and that restraints fit them securely when they are on the ride. Rides should be properly supervised and children should pay attention to all safety instructions given to them by ride operators. Parents should make clear to their children that they must sit still while on a ride.

“HSE research shows that young children have a far lower perception of risks than adults, and that while on fairground rides they may try to maintain eye contact with their parents. This can lead to children turning, kneeling and even standing up on rides in order to see their parents if they have not had the importance of staying in their seats properly explained to them.

“A final tip is to check that the ride clearly displays an Amusement Devices Inspection Procedure Scheme (ADIPS) sticker, which confirms that it has been inspected for safety.

"Many families enjoy a day at the fair, and everyone plays their part in making them safe. Simple precautions prevent most accidents.

“Don't let your children go on rides that haven't got a safety sticker, look in poor condition or where the attendants aren't paying proper attention to the children. Make sure your children know it is important to stay in the seat and keep an eye on very young children when the ride is moving."

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