Midway operator fined $30,000 for fair accident
Three people were injured at Campbellford Fair in 2022
Magical Midways Inc. has been fined $30,000 after three people were injured on one of its amusement rides at the Campbellford Fair in August 2022.
The Scarborough-based company pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Technical Standards and Safety Act and the Ontario Court imposed a fine of $30,000 and a 25% victim surcharge.
One of the cars became detached from the ride known as the Tilt-A-Whirl while in operation. At the time, the car was carrying three passengers and they all sustained minor injuries.
Northumberland News wrote about the incident at the time.
An investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) found that Magical Midways failed to maintain proper inspection records in accordance with Ontario regulations.
The employee responsible for maintenance used a simplified checklist that did not reflect the manufacturer’s required procedures. The logbook lacked any documentation of the necessary inspection and testing of fasteners on the car’s pivot pin assembly – a failure that led to the unit's detachment.
“Maintenance is just as important as installation when it comes to amusement ride safety,” said AJ Kadirgamar, Director of TSSA’s Amusement Devices Safety Program. “Installation ensures a ride is set up for safe use, but ongoing maintenance ensures it remains safe over time. Overlooking key procedures or failing to document them can put users at serious risk.
“Every detail matters in maintenance, and the purpose of the logbook is to record all safety actions carried out. As the regulator, we urge amusement device operators to devote the necessary attention and effort to this safety process designed to help protect both property and passengers.”
TSSA’s data show that failures in maintenance and record-keeping remain a key compliance issue in the amusement devices sector. According to TSSA’s latest Public Safety Report, the highest number of orders issued during periodic inspections of amusement devices in fiscal year 2024 — accounting for 7 per cent of all orders — were related to operators’ failure to ensure that certified mechanics performed periodic maintenance and documented it in the associated log books.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators mandated to enforce provincial safety regulations.
A flyer for this year’s fair shows that Magical Midways will be operating the rides again. It provides rides at fairs and events across the province. Its website says it follows all safety requirements.
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