How Facilities Managers Can Implement Safety Consulting Services in Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are bustling hubs of excitement and fun, but they also come with unique safety challenges. As a facilities manager, ensuring the safety of both employees and guests is paramount. Implementing safety consulting services can transform your approach to safety, making it proactive rather than reactive.

Understanding the Unique Safety Needs of Amusement Parks

Amusement parks differ from traditional workplaces due to the high volume of visitors, diverse range of attractions, and outdoor environmental factors. From roller coasters to water rides, each element requires specific safety protocols. I've seen firsthand how a tailored safety consulting service can address these complexities by conducting thorough risk assessments and developing customized safety plans.

Steps to Implement Safety Consulting Services

1. Assess Current Safety Practices: Begin by evaluating your existing safety measures. This includes reviewing incident reports, current safety training programs, and emergency response plans. We've often found that facilities managers benefit from an outside perspective to identify blind spots in their safety protocols.

2. Engage a Safety Consulting Firm: Choose a safety consulting firm with experience in amusement parks. They should offer services like LOTO Procedure Management, Job Hazard Analysis, and incident tracking. Ensure they understand US safety regulations such as OSHA standards specific to amusement rides and attractions.

3. Develop a Comprehensive Safety Plan: Work with your consultants to create a safety plan that covers all aspects of your park. This should include detailed procedures for lockout/tagout on rides, regular safety training for staff, and protocols for managing crowd safety during peak times.

4. Implement Training and Monitoring Systems: Use a safety management software like Pro Shield to streamline training and incident reporting. Based on available research, individual results may vary, but integrating technology can significantly enhance your safety monitoring and compliance efforts.

5. Regular Audits and Updates: Safety is an ongoing process. Schedule regular audits with your safety consultants to ensure compliance and make necessary updates to your safety plan. I recommend at least quarterly reviews to stay ahead of potential safety issues.

Benefits of Safety Consulting in Amusement Parks

Implementing safety consulting services in amusement parks offers numerous benefits. It not only helps in reducing accidents and injuries but also enhances the overall guest experience. Guests feel more secure knowing that safety is a top priority, which can lead to increased attendance and loyalty. Moreover, a robust safety program can help in mitigating legal risks and maintaining compliance with regulatory bodies like OSHA.

Real-World Application and Third-Party Resources

In my experience, amusement parks that have embraced safety consulting services see a noticeable improvement in their safety culture. For instance, a well-known amusement park in California reduced its incident rate by 30% within the first year of implementing a comprehensive safety plan. For those looking to dive deeper, resources like the OSHA Amusement Park Safety page and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) provide valuable guidelines and best practices.