WorkSafe Victoria is running the first pilot training/information program regarding Amusement Structures in line with the National Regulators Strategy Committee's charter for WorkSafe and invited interstate OH&S Inspectors.

The course will take place over one day at Luna Park in Melbourne and participants will include WorkSafe Victoria and Interstate Occupational Health and Safety Inspectors.

A number of guest speakers have been invited to give presentations including: Ian Markos of Safework SA, acting director of field services & chair of the National Regulators Committee South Australia; Michael Chan of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland; Richard (Dick) Baird, engineer and chair of the Australian Standards Committee AS3533 Amusement Devices; Greg O'Neil of O'Neil Entertainment, manufacturer of amusement rides and immediate past president of AALARA.

This a first for this type of forum under the National Regulators Strategy Committee, where interstate OH&S Inspectors will participate in the pilot program.

It is hoped that the program will be further developed and taken up as a part of the national strategy.

Topics to be presented include:

– Inspections and audits, a national approach – National register for incident & notices

– Use of Australian Standards & Proposed changes to National Standards and global harmonisation – Long and medium national strategy in relation to amusement devices

– Information sharing – Rider restraints, a national approach

– Analysis of incidents – Rider restraints new versus old

– Engineer's perspective including current use of AS 3533,classification of rides and the way ahead for the further development of Australian Standards – Showperson's and manufacturer's perspective including installation, time scale pressure and set up difficulties

– Victorian legislation – Hands on tour of Luna Park