It’s been over a year since the catastrophic failure that led to four fatalities on Dreamworld’s Thunder Rapids ride. The investigation by the Coroners Court has finally gotten underway, although evidence won’t be heard in court until later this year. An article in the NZ Herald ‘Final moments of Dreamworld victims revealed‘ details what has happened since the accident.
What Happened?
- The ride was commissioned in December 1986 and was designed to simulate a white-water rafting experience.
- On 25th October 2016, six people boarded raft five. Just before finishing the ride the raft was collected by a conveyor belt. Fifteen seconds before this, one of the two large pumps that kept the raft afloat failed and water levels dropped. The raft was lifted up and pulled vertically into the conveyor mechanism.
- Four adults (Ms Goodchild, Mr Dorsett, Mr Araghi and Ms Low) “Each died almost instantly as a result of compressive and crushing injuries,” according to Ken Fleming QC. Two children survived after park staff and onlookers pulled them to safety.
What Happened after the Catastrophic Failure?
- Four funerals were held including one in New Zealand
- The two children who survived have required extensive counselling and support
- Dreamworld closed for 45 days
- Staff morale was devastated and the company spent thousands of dollars supporting their team post-event.
- One employee has suffered from serve Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Visitor numbers tanked an estimated 30 percent, causing owners Ardent Leisure to report a $62.6 million loss for the financial year.
- The ride was dismantled and removed from the site.
- Police, health and safety professionals and engineers have spent the past 17 months investigating the incident.
- So far, the Police have already recommended no criminal charges be laid against Dreamworld staff; however, the coroner could still suggest prosecutions after hearing evidence.
- The Queensland government has passed industrial manslaughter laws with maximum 20 years imprisonment for individuals or a $10 million fine for corporate offenders (this cannot be applied retroactively to the Dreamworld incident).
What caused the event?
It will be for the Coroner to officially decide the causes of the incident. This may take up to a year.
What can we learn?
If you have plant or machinery that could entrap and or/crush anyone you need to assess the following:
- How was it constructed/installed?
- Does the design meet all legislative requirements? (guarding, E-stops etc.)
- Was it installed correctly?
- Is there a training/operator manual or standard operating procedure?
- Have workers been trained on how to use the plant?
- Maintenance and History:
- Does the plant have a preventative maintenance plan?
- Has maintenance been carried out according to the manufacturer’s specifications?
- Are there maintenance records?
- Are there operating records? i.e. run time, the number of passengers/runs etc.
- Safety:
- Has a risk assessment or HAZOP study been carried out on the plant?
- Has the plant been entered into the critical risk register?
- Have the safety features i.e. e stops been tested?
- Are workers trained in what to do if the machine has a malfunction?
- Modifications and Upgrades:
- If the machine has been modified or upgraded have these changes been signed off by a registered engineer?
- Do the changes meet all legislative requirements?
- Has the operations manual/ SOP been amended?
- Has the critical risk register been amended if required
- Have workers been trained in how to use/manage the changes to the plan?
I can only hope that I am never supporting a client that has to deal with a catastrophic failure like this, and even if you are not working with me take the time to consider what is happening in your operation and what you would do if something went wrong.
Have a safe and productive week.
SB