WorkSafe ACT has called for vigilance after three injuries were reported at children's play centres last year and a ride at the 2022 Canberra Show was closed due to safety concerns.
This comes after a child fell almost five metres from play equipment at Flip Out in Majura Park over the Easter long weekend. The child suffered minor injuries, however, the centre remains open with a prohibition notice on the equipment involved.
Injuries reported in the ACT last year include a child who had fallen and broken a leg, while another had become stuck in netting and broke their foot.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius said the watchdog had focused its attention on play centres, indoor and outdoor play areas, and amusement devices over the past 12 months.
"We've had a concerted campaign by our directorate over the last 12 months which has included inspections ... assessing equipment for compliance within our legislation, which ultimately is around making sure that those amusement devices are safe for the Canberra community," she said.
Ms Agius said inspectors regularly assessed staff levels and training as well as fall risks and policies to ensure safety.
"We put a prohibition notice on a ride at the Canberra Show, and that prohibition notice was for a period of time to allow the ride operator to ensure that the ride had the appropriate sign off by an engineer," she said.
"We will ensure that the ride or the amusement device complies with regulations and in the case of a ride at the Canberra Show, this had not been complied with.
"Our inspectors were out there prior to the opening making sure that all of those rides were fit for the Canberra community to use."
The commissioner urged parents to follow their gut feeling when it came to keeping their children safe.
"My advice for parents is this walk around the play centre, don't assume because it's new and colorful and bright that it complies with Work Health and Safety legislation," Ms Agius said.
"Be satisfied yourself that it is safe for your children to use the equipment. If you are not satisfied please ring us at WorkSafe ACT and we will go out and visit."
The Canberra Times contacted Flip Out for comment.
