NSW warns of zero tolerance policy for unsafe rides

NSW Warns of Zero Tolerance Policy for Unsafe Rides

NSW Fair Trading Minister Eleni Petinos has announced a zero tolerance policy targeting unsafe rides, following an incident in which a four-year-old boy was left unrestrained on a ride at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on Sunday afternoon.

The announcement puts operators on notice: rides that do not meet safety standards will face immediate consequences, including possible shutdown, under the new zero tolerance approach.

What Happened at the Show

“I can confirm that I have instructed SafeWork NSW to explore shutting the Free Fall ride for the remainder of the 2022 Sydney Royal Easter Show if patron's safety cannot be guaranteed,” Ms Petinos said.

“The ride has been closed pending investigation,” she added, confirming the operator faces scrutiny while SafeWork NSW reviews footage, including video evidence, and rider accounts from Sunday's show.

Minister's Statement on Safety Standards

“Safety is our number one priority and any operator who fails to provide the highest level of safety standards should face severe consequences, and that is why we've instructed SafeWork NSW to explore all available avenues,” Ms Petinos said.

This zero tolerance stance sends a clear message to riders, families, and ride operators across NSW: dangerous practices will not be tolerated regardless of how busy transport routes or queues become during peak show periods.

Investigation Underway

SafeWork NSW is investigating the incident. Regulators are examining whether transport safety protocols, harness checks, and boarding procedures met required rules before the ride operated.

For technical professionals in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, this case underscores why robust OHS Policy frameworks matter — whether managing amusement transport equipment, machinery, or public-facing operations, gaps in safety oversight can put lives at risk within seconds.

Why This Matters for Safety Professionals

• Operators must guarantee compliance with rules before allowing riders to board
• Zero tolerance policies signal stricter enforcement across NSW's public safety landscape
• Regular equipment checks and maintenance schedules remain critical — see our SOP for Equipment Maintenance resources for guidance
• Clear Fitness for Work Policy documentation helps ensure operators are alert and capable when running rides or transport systems

Businesses reviewing their own safety documentation may also benefit from a strong Environmental Policy, particularly where outdoor events, temporary structures, or seasonal operations are involved.

This story was originally reported at 3:00pm AEST and updated later that afternoon, with further news expected as the investigation progresses. Readers should note that timestamps reflect AEST across all official statements referenced here, and further AEST updates will follow as SafeWork NSW releases its findings, likely by early evening AEST.

Originally published on the SafeWork NSW website. For further news on this developing story and other workplace safety news, readers are encouraged to check back for updates, including AEST-timestamped news bulletins on the show and its aftermath, as well as news regarding home safety implications for families attending events like this one AEST-wide, and how home-based decisions around ride attendance may shift following this news.

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