Calfornia adjusts safety citations and fines against Disneyland

by Leah Zanolla
May 11, 2013

Last month, we reported on the sudden closing of three major attractions at Disneyland. Space Mountain, the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Soarin' Over California were all closed unexpectedly on April 13th after an investigation following a maintenance employee injury on Space Mountain. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) cited Disneyland for numerous safety violations in backstage areas (not affecting guest safety). Disney appealed these violations. However, less than a month later, some of the citations have been withdrawn and fines have been reduced. When the six citations and related fines were announced, the penalties totaled $234,850, and included three “willful and serious” citations. Now, after apparent “settlement discussions” between DOSH and Disneyland, records indicate four total violations, with only one being labeled “willful and serious.” In addition, the total amount of fines is now listed as $82,025. The Los Angeles Times cites DOSH officer Ellen Widess as saying, “The citations were reevaluated and amended based on new information provided by Disney after the citations were previously issued.” All attractions have since reopened, with Disney saying they voluntarily kept Space Mountain close for nearly three weeks to “make safety improvements.”

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• Last Updated: Oct 19, 2014 - 9:25:27 AM