Disney leader to give global perspective on attractions safety at AALARA 2017

Greg Hale, Chief Safety Officer and Vice President of Worldwide Safety and Health for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Chairman is to present an international perspective on attractions industry safety issues at the 2017 Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) annual conference next week.

Set to open the conference on the morning of Tuesday 16th May, Hale is expected to talk about the importance of robust safety program that includes reinforcing detailed training.

Hale recently shared a series of safety statistics at US conference, highlighting how just 3 to 5% of safety-related incidents throughout the attractions  industry stem from mechanical problems.

Hale explained, "the real driver of our incidents is our guests” - whether people are ignoring safety rules or going on rides that aren't appropriate for them because of health conditions.

Mindful that guests contribute to about 80% of incidents throughout the industry, Disney has started a Wild About Safety program that used Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King on websites, in colouring books and on hotel room TVs.

One of the biggest challenges for Disney, Hale sees is ensuring safety for a wide variety of people. Disney attracts a multigenerational crowd and the company is "trying to make something safe for all of them but not water down the experience.

“That's the hardest challenge, I think."

Following a turbulent period in which safety has been a major focus for the attractions industry and regulatory bodies, the 2017 AALARA  annual conference is to address key issues surrounding safety, incident management and compliance.

Being held on the Gold Coast from 15th to 18th May, Australia’s only attractions industry conference and trade show will showcase all that its best about Australia and New Zealand’s attractions industry with a series of sector leading presentations, workshops, site tours and social events. 

5th May 2017 - FAMILY OF BOY DECAPITATED ON US WATER SLIDE TO RECEIVE MULTI MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT

3rd May 2017 - AALARA 2017 TO FEATURE KEY SESSIONS ON CRITICAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT 

22nd April 2017 - BOY IN EASTER MORNINGTON PENINSULA CARNIVAL RIDE INCIDENT DIES IN HOSPITAL

16th April 2017 - CONSULTING ENGINEER REBUTS AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY RIDE SAFETY ‘INVESTIGATION’ 

6th April 2017 - AALARA 2017 CONFERENCE PROGRAM FOCUSES ON ATTRACTIONS SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE 

14th March 2017 - VILLAGE ROADSHOW THEME PARKS HIGHLIGHTS SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS

13th March 2017 - PARKZ WEBSITE LAUNCHES SUPPORT OUR THEME PARKS CAMPAIGN 

14th December 2016 - NON-COMPLIANCE IN ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT HAS ITS COSTS

10th November 2016 - AMUSEMENT OPERATOR TO PAY $80,000 AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CHARGE

29th October 2016 - QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT TO UNDERTAKE ‘SAFETY BLITZ’ ON THEME PARKS