Merlin Divisional Director makes statement after Sydney Tower Eye fatality

Following the apparent suicide of a man who fell from the Skywalk attraction at Sydney's Centrepoint tower on Sunday evening, Rob Smith, Divisional Director for Merlin Entertainments, which operates the Sydney Tower Eye and Skywalk, has issued a statement on the incident.

Smith advised “this is a very distressing situation for all those involved, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the guest, the Sydney Tower Eye team, and our guests.

"Sydney Tower Eye and Skywalk operates to the highest quality standards conforming to all regulatory requirements, building codes and best practice in the industry. The team at Sydney Tower Eye immediately activated its safety procedures and emergency services quickly arrived on site. The details of the incident are currently being investigated, and we are providing counselling and support to the other guests affected as well as ongoing support to our staff.”

The fatality occurred just four months after a woman died after she removed her harness while on the Skywalk tour and leapt to her death

The woman, a 22-year-old from Sydney’s south, unclipped her safety harness and jumped from the tower, which is the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere.

It was revealed shortly after that guests on the Skywalk are able to free themselves from the harnesses they must wear to perform the walk - but must sign a form declaring they will not before the walk begins.

After the woman’s death a statement from Merlin advised “this belt can be loosened by the wearer. However all guests are provided with training and sign a Declaration Form prior to embarking on Skywalk that they cannot tamper with or remove the equipment while taking part in the experience.”

Referring to that incident, Smith explained "following the incident on Thursday 8th March, Sydney Tower Eye undertook a full and comprehensive review of its safety measures which has led to a number of changes aimed to prevent such incidents.”

The statement confirmed that the new safety measured include, "the introduction of a full body harness developed in consultation with third-party safety experts that goes well beyond industry and Working at Heights standards with strict controls to avoid removal outside of deliberate and significant intention."

It added that "modifications have been made to the harness equipment, safety attachments and clothing, as well as guest briefing protocols, designed to actively deter tampering have been introduced."

Authorities have stated that they are not treating this week’s death as suspicious

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency please call 000.

Image: The Sydney Tower Skywalk in operation.

8th July 2018 - CLIMBER FALLS TO DEATH FROM SYDNEY TOWER SKYWALK 

9th March 2018 - SYDNEY TOWER SKYWALK TO REMAIN CLOSED DURING INVESTIGATION INTO HOW WOMAN FELL TO HER DEATH 

21st October 2017 - QUEENSLAND POLICE SAY NO STAFF SHOULD BE PROSECUTED OVER 2016 DREAMWORLD DEATHS 

27th April 2016 - MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS MARKS FIVE YEARS OF OPERATIONS IN AUSTRALASIA 

18th February 2015 - SEA LIFE TRUST LAUNCHES OCEAN YOUTH PROGRAM

13th October 2012 - MERLIN CELEBRATES TWIN NSW TOURISM AWARD NOMINATIONS

18th February 2012 - MERLIN CONFIRMS LIVING AND LEISURE AUSTRALIA TAKEOVER 

10th August 2011 - MERLIN GIVES SYDNEY TOWER A FACELIFT

28th October 2008 - NEW RIDE FOR SYDNEY TOWER

20th February 2008 - VILLAGE TO ACQUIRE SYDNEY ATTRACTIONS GROUP

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