Media Releases
OSH Completes Audit Following Luge Accident
Friday 18 July 1997
The Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Department of Labour has released its findings into the luge accident at Skyline Skyrides in Rotorua, in which a 19-year-old woman suffered a fractured spine and pelvis.
Earlier this week, OSH audited the hazard management systems of Skyline Skyrides, in regard to their obligations under the Health and Safety in Employment Act and in the interest of public safety. With respect to accidents involving members of the public, the company does not have to report an accident to OSH, but must have systems in place to carry out its own internal investigation.
In relation to this accident, OSH found that the approved internal emergency procedures were followed correctly and that the luge cart was in good order and not a contributing factor to the accident. There were no other witnesses to the accident.
The injured woman apparently hit a tyre surrounding a pole which was placed to indicate the splitting of the fast and slow tracks. It appeared that, in a moment of indecision, she hit the tyre head-on at speed. Although the tyre and pole are highly visible, it has since been repositioned in order to minimise the risk of any such accident re-occurring.
OSH acknowledged that riding a luge cart down a hill on a concrete track involves an element of risk, with the carts being in the full control of the rider. In this case, OSH found that Skyline Skyrides had been very proactive in complying with the Health and Safety in Employment Act, and the Service would continue to assist the company in the maintenance of its safety systems.
Note: OSH does not regulate the use of the luge carts, because the lack of motor propulsion means that they are not registered ‘amusement devices’
