Disney Amusement Ride Remains Closed During Federal Safety Investigation

                               
Following the death of a resort mechanic who died while working on the attraction in March, Walt Disney World, Florida is keeping the roller coaster ride closed through the summer as federal investigators continue a safety review.
 
 
According to a number of media outlets, including The Associated Press and The Miami Herald, Disney recently extended the closure of Primeval Whirl, a spinning coaster in Disney's Animal Kingdom that has been closed since January for maintenance, until at least September 14, 2011. The reopening of the ride, initially slated for April, already was postponed once, until early June 2011. (WCxKit)
 
 
The attraction, opened in April 2002, is a pair of “wild mouse”-style roller coasters operating side by side featuring spinning, four-person ride vehicles falling through a series of tight, flat turns.
 
 
The new date coincides with a six-month deadline facing the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to finalize its investigation into the passing of Russell Roscoe, a 52-year-old attractions mechanic hit by one of the attraction's ride vehicles on March 13th. Roscoe suffered a massive head injury and died the following day.
 
 
Disney reported on June 7th some of the planned maintenance for Primeval Whirl was moved back to accommodate the accident investigation. The resort stated the new reopening date is not related to OSHA's timeline. Resort officials would not comment on what changes they are making to the 9-year-old ride, or whether they are completing any safety adjustments.
 
 
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact:Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.

 
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
 
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