Woman's work party go kart death 'preventable'

The recently released Victorian Coroner's report into the go-karting death of a 51-year-old woman has commended the adoption of new safety standards by go-kart operators.

Mother of two Lydia Carter died when driving a go-kart during an evening work function at Auscarts in Port Melbourne, owned by AAA Auscarts Pty Ltd, in October 2006.

In her findings, Coroner Heather Spooner said that the event marked the first occasion when Mrs Carter had been go-karting. Wearing a full-face crash helmet she had only travelled a short distance in her go-kart, driving cautiously and slowly, when she failed to make a turn and crashed into a tyre barrier. Her harness was loose and not properly fitted and there was no padding on the steering wheel.

Mrs Carter suffered serious head injuries as a result of the impact and later died at The Alfred hospital.

The estimated speed of Mrs Carter's go-kart was no more than 25 kilometres/per hour at the time of the collision.

Coroner Spooner stated "Mrs Carter's needless death from head injuries while driving a go-kart at a venue operated by Auscarts was preventable

"This most unfortunate death has however resulted in industry action and a greater awareness of the injury risks associated with go-karting, particularly around the design of barrier systems and the vital importance of secure safety harnesses."

Coroner Spooner said a search of the National Coroners Information System had revealed a total of eight people had died go-karting in Australia and that Mrs Carter's death was the first since 2000.

Coroner Spooner said since Mrs Carter's death, WorkSafe Victoria had started making compliance visits to go-karting operators across Victoria; the Australian Concessional Karting Association had been formed in 2008; and an Australian Standard for go-kart operations (AS 3533.4.4-2011 Amusement rides and devices Part 4.4: Specific requirements - Concession go-karts) had been released.

In 2009, the Victorian County Court handed down a record $1.4 million fine to AAA Auscarts Pty Ltd resulting from three charges laid under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

However, the company went into liquidation in 2008 and did not defend the case and has never paid the fine.

Implications from the Coroner's recommendations and the interpretation of the new Australian Standard will be explained at the Go Karting Forum at the upcoming Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association conference being held on the Gold Coast from 14th to 17th May.

For more information go to www.aalara.com.au/conference

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