Disney fined for fatal monorail accident

**eeyoreguy** · 27-12-2009, 01:33 PM

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Walt Disney World for several violations. Following a fatal July collision involving two monorail trains, OSHA had been investigating the theme parks. They have cited one "serious" violation, resulting in a $7,000 fine, saying that the violation led to the fatal monorail collision. The report states that Disney did not consider the possible implications of driving the trains in reverse. Recently, a 20-year-old manufacturer's guide has been examined, in which it states that a spotter should be watching the train's opposite end. As of this week, Disney now requires these spotters.

In addition to this violation, Disney has also been charged with three unrelated safety violations. These don't have to do with the monorail accident, but were discovered during the investigation. Two repeat violations for the park were that workers in the monorail maintenance shop were exposed without protection to a fall of more than eight feet and they also were not adequately trained to use portable fire extinguishers. Disney was also cited for a drill press in the shop that didn't have a safety guard installed. A $35,000 fine was imposed for these repeat violations.

In their report, OSHA also discussed the recent death of another cast member, Mark Priest. Priest died after hitting his head during a Magic Kingdom stage show. OSHA recommends that actors rehearse on a new stage before appearing on it in a live performance.

The agency is still investigating the death of a third employee this summer.

Disney has 15 days to respond to the OSHA's findings.

**foreverducky** · 27-12-2009, 01:59 PM

So sad, there seemed to be many deaths this year.

**WoW_Mom** · 28-12-2009, 02:14 AM

Originally Posted by eeyoreguy

They have cited one "serious" violation, resulting in a $7,000 fine, saying that the violation led to the fatal monorail collision.

I'm sorry, but a $7,000 fine.. talk about a slap in the face to the family

**Keith** · 28-12-2009, 03:19 AM

Originally Posted by WoW_Mom

I'm sorry, but a $7,000 fine.. talk about a slap in the face to the family

I must admit, that was my first thought as well

**Tink** · 28-12-2009, 01:14 PM

Indeed.

Disney needs to reinstate its excellent training of new cast members (cut back several years ago) and put it's CM force back up to necessary numbers and stop making one CM do the work of three. Not only would the parks be better run, but they would also return to their former level of cleanliness.

It's hard to believe anything other than Disney manangement not operating as it should have with regard to the monorail accident.

Repeat offenses are completely unecessary. OSHA provides a written warning and then gives a place time to comply. That Disney chose to ignore the warnings implies that it was cheaper to pay a fine than take the required safety measure. That happens when the fines are less than the required safety measure; and not just with Disney.