The U.S. Department of Labor releases information that showed that violations were issued to Schlitterbahn for failing to protect workers for injured related to hazardous energy sources. Specifically, Enterprize Management Inc. and Schlitterbahn Beach Resort Management LLC was cited by a federal agency for six safety violations. These violations led to the death of a life guard. Another worker suffered from sever injuries as a result of the work related safety violations.
These violations are typically issued in situations where employers fail to protect employees from certain hazards and workplace injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration levied about $96,000 in fines against the above referenced companies. OSHA investigated the incident after the young lifeguard and maintenance person entered a machine that generated waves for the water park. The machine had been accidentally turn on which caused the individuals to be stuck between the gate and the wave machine wall.
Employees should be properly trained to follow certain procedures to avoid accident and death. On thing they should be trained in is lock-out and tag-out procedures. These procedures should be put in place in situations related to the repair of machinery or in this case when dealing with hazardous energy sources. OSHA found a number of failures by the Schlitterbahn companies.
Schlitterbahn has parks at Galveston Island, Texas; New Braunfels, Texas; and South Padre Island.
This is not the first water park accident. Wrongful death incidents have occurred at other water parks or pools. The number of swimming pool accident is too staggering in Texas. Other water parks have had accidents that resulted in drowning. The Summer, when more children are out of school, is a time to be extra careful. There is more pool and water park play. It is not uncommon for drownings and pool accidents to occur.
If you or someone you know has suffered from a water park or swimming pool accident or death and you have questions that you would like answered, give us a call. You can reach a Texas Lawyer at 713-572-4900.
– Article By Richard Weaver
