Originally Posted By Darkbeer <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2009-12-23/walt-disney-world-cited-by-u-s-in-monorail-crash-update1-.html" target="_blank">http://www.businessweek.com/ne...e1-.html</a> >>Walt Disney Co.’s Walt Disney World was cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for safety violations involving the death of a monorail driver in a July collision at the Florida theme park. The U.S. safety agency said in an e-mailed statement today that it proposed $44,000 in penalties against the company, including $7,000 for a serious violation related to the fatality, the maximum amount allowed for such a citation. “Disney should have put procedures in place that would have prevented the fatal crash from occurring,” David Michaels, the head of OSHA, said in the statement. “Employers need to take effective and ongoing corrective action to protect the health and safety of their workers.” A worker was killed in July when two of the monorail trains that travel through the park collided while switching tracks, OSHA said. The company was cited for serious violations for not providing a place of employment free from recognized dangers that could cause death or serious harm by exposing employees to collision hazards.<<
Originally Posted By Longhorn12 I'm very surprised they were fined but... "for not providing a place of employment free from recognized dangers that could cause death or serious harm by exposing employees to collision hazards." So what? They have to put a clause in that says "hey these are vehicles they might crash and hurt you"
Originally Posted By leobloom I think it's saying Disney didn't provide a safe work environment, not that they needed to alert CMs to the obvious dangers inherent in operating machinery like this.
Originally Posted By mousermerf I think this ties into the recommendations from the manufacturer - Disney chose to ignore them, and likely did so after originally following them until they decided to try and save some money (many operational changes have been made not just at the monorails to save money, many are questionable in terms of safety.)
Originally Posted By wahooskipper It was a senseless death and one that most certainly could have been avoided. They are lucky they got off with a $44,000 fine though I suspect the family will be compensated as well.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 The question that has to be asked is has this in any REAL way changed the way Disney approaches running and maintaining the system, including training the CMs and making sure BUDGETS are equal to the task no matter how it effects Wall Street's ROI. Ask that. You likely won't like the answer. Much easier to take shortcuts, blame CMs who are just following management's flawed operations and then hope nothing bad happens ... and if it does, well it's much easier to have Disney Legal strong arm a family into taking a pittance for the life of a loved one then to invest countless millions into something that doesn't generate any profits and never will.
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad have operating procedures changed on the Monorails? I never saw an article detailing what changes had been made only that they were being reviewed.
Originally Posted By Labuda Well, guests aren't allowed to ride up front with the monorail pilot anymore... that's the only change that I, as a patron, know of.
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad I heard that and we were sad because we always rode in front at least once each trip.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer The best info I have seen recently was over at MousePlanet... http://www.mouseplanet.com/9105/Walt_Disney_World_Resort_Update >>Five means of abatement were recommended by OSHA: Using an observer whenever a monorail train is moving in reverse, in compliance with the manufacturer's operating instructions. Ensuring that the monorail's control system is used without overriding the anti-collision lockout system. Providing written instruction, training and examinations for the master control console operator in the monorail shop. Ensure that the central coordinator is overseeing monorail operations from the central control tower. Making sure that monorail windshields are clear and unobstructed during operation. << Much more at the link (cut and paste).
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Ensure that the central coordinator is overseeing monorail operations from the central control tower. >>> So, OSHA is saying that a booth at Denny's off-property is not an appropriate location for this safety function?
