Go-Kart company fined after passenger seriously injured

Friday 14 December 2001

An Auckland go-kart company has been fined $8,000 after a passenger was seriously injured.

The Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH) prosecuted Supercarts Ltd

after a man suffered serious compression fractures to his back after a go-cart accident.

$7,000 of the fine went to the victim, who was hospitalised for eight days after the accident.

"The accident occurred after the part of the axle from the man’s go-kart collapsed and the front wheel came off," said John Forrest, Service Manager, OSH Auckland

"The go-kart then travelled six to eight metres before hitting a concrete pillar.

"People who control places of work have a responsibility to make sure that those places are safe.

"In this case, the company failed to take all the practicable steps to ensure the hazards in a place of work did not harm the victim, who had paid to be there.

"The company should have made sure the go-karts were in a safe condition and improved barrier protections."

These types of businesses are covered by the Amusement Devices Regulations, which clearly state that each kart must be properly maintained, and that worn or damaged parts, shall not be used.

"Recent decisions from New Zealand courts are showing that unsafe work practices are simply unacceptable," said Mr Forrest.

"Health and safety has to be an integral part of any business."