Workplace safety no laughing matter

In a reminder that no workplace is above health and safety laws, Circus Rio has been issued with 11 prohibition notices in under a week, following a series of incidents.

SafeWork SA first reported the issues with Circus Rio on 18 July, after it received notice of a performer’s fall.

Upon attending the circus, SafeWork SA inspectors and investigators identified a number of safety and compliance issues relating to a winch that lifts performers and equipment. A WHS prohibition notice was placed on the winch, which was not to be used until all non-compliance issues were addressed. This was lifted on 17 July after compliance issues had been resolved, allowing the performance to go forward.

However, a second notice was issued on 20 July, after SafeWork SA responded to an accident that occurred during a motorcycle act. Inspectors directed the circus operators to bring in an expert to assess the tent structure’s integrity after the crash. A rigger assessed the safety of the structure and, while this was affirmed to SafeWork SA inspectors’ satisfaction, a prohibition notice was placed on the motorcycle to ensure it was mechanically sound.

SafeWork SA has since conducted a safety audit of the circus’s operations and issued nine more prohibition notices requiring the circus to comply with work health and safety legislation related to rigging, winches, electrical equipment and licensing of high-risk work. These issues must be resolved before the related items and equipment can be used.

The City of Holdfast Bay, where the circus is currently performing, is working with SafeWork SA and has advised Circus Rio that the show must not go on until the notices have been lifted.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/alswart