Rides at theme parks, shows and fetes also require less stringent inspections than cranes, the state government's recently published review of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) regulations has also shown.
The review, commissioned after the death of four people on Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride and a fatal workplace accident at Eagle Farm racecourse last year, has outlined a number of gaping holes in public safety issues at these facilities.
Related reading
Last child pulled alive from Ischia quake rubble: firemen
It prompted the government to introduce industrial manslaughter laws that will hold corporations and negligent individuals responsible for any deaths.
The review found some rides at school fetes and small local shows are more than 30 years old, and aren't subjected to any major inspection requirements.
It has earmarked "poor mechanical integrity and lack of modern safety control measures" as a "significant concern" for these older rides.
"High turnover of operators (especially for mobile amusement devices at smaller shows) and lack of effective operator training are significant contributing factors to amusement device incidents," the report also noted.
Similar concerns were raised for established theme parks like Dreamworld.
Following the deaths of Cindy Low, Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett and Roozi Araghi on October 25 last year when Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride malfunctioned, WHSQ conducted audits on 90 rides at major theme parks.
It found annual inspections of rides are legally required but that they fall short of the type of inspections required for plant equipment like cranes.
Inspectors also noted there were no strict rules surrounding competency of 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," the review said.
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said the government's implementation of the 58 recommendations in the review would give the public more confidence in the amusement industry.
"Our harsher penalties will serve as a deterrent to employers who are tempted to cut corners when it comes to safety in the workplace," she said.
Queensland Emergency service personnel are seen at amusement theme park Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016 (AAP) Source: AAP
