Cedar Fair fined for safety violations
9/25/2018SANDUSKY — Cedar Fair LP, the parent firm of Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, is facing a $142,270 fine from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration after an employee was injured in a fall from a park building while doing roofing work.
The park was cited for three violations stemming from the incident, which occurred April 11 when Cedar Point employees were getting the park ready for the opening of its operating season in May.
OSHA said a three-member crew was on the low-sloped roof of a shelter house, removing insulating blankets, pallets, and plywood when one of the employees fell through a skylight about 13 feet to the concrete floor below. The employee suffered serious injuries, OSHA said.
In their citation, federal inspectors said the park failed to protect workers from falling hazards by not providing some kind of guard rail, restraint system, or personal fall arrest system. It also was cited for not training employees to recognize falling hazards.
“Falls like this are preventable if employers provide required fall protections systems when employees work at elevated heights, or near floor and wall openings,” said Kimberly Nelson, OSHA Toledo area office director.
Cedar Fair was hit with the maximum penalties allowed under federal law. However, it was given 15 days from the receipt of the citations and penalties to pay the fine, request a conference with OSHA officials to seek a reduction of the fine, or contest the inspector’s findings before an independent OSHA review commission.
Tony Clark, a spokesman for Cedar Point, said the park had received the notice from OSHA and was still reviewing the documents, so it could not comment on the fine or citations.
However, “safety for all associates and guests is Cedar Point’s number one priority. Cedar Point is committed to following all recommended guidelines and procedures as set forth by OSHA,” Mr. Clark said.
Contact Blade Business Writer Jon Chavez at jchavez@theblade.com or 419-724-6128.