Amusement Devices
Annual State of Safety 2024
State of Safety: Amusement Devices
We oversee the installation and operation of amusement devices throughout BC in accordance with the Elevating Devices Safety Regulation. The types of regulated amusement devices range from waterslides and inflatable play equipment to larger roller coasters.
In 2024, we continued to be active members of the American Society of Testing and Material (ASTM), including being a member of the ASTM F-2783 (Canadian Harmonized Standard), contributing to ballots for updating this important standard.
31
incidents reported to us in 2024
17
injuries reported to us in 2024
431
assessments completed in 2024
Serious Back Injuries on Bobsleigh Caused by Seat Ergonomics and Acceleration Force
Two reports of back injuries in less than a year led to an investigation into a bobsleigh experience in Whistler. A review of historical incidents found seven confirmed back fractures dating back to 2012. The investigation, along with independent biomechanical analysis, identified that the forces from acceleration and the ergonomics of the 4th seat made patrons vulnerable to injury. As a result, preventative measures such as amending pre-ride warnings were recommended and implemented by the sliding centre.
A Directive, Zipline Safety Orders and Participation in Sub-Committees
In 2024, we worked with clients and industry partners to enhance safety on all fronts in the amusement devices technology: from the usage of regulated equipment to technical and operational safety.
We issued a directive to clarify regulatory requirements for returning an amusement ride or device to public operation after an incident occurs. This directive outlines duty holder accountabilities to ensure equipment safety before resuming public operations.
To affect change where necessary, we continued our contributions and participation in the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard sub-committees. Notably, we influenced ballot proposals that align with our 2024 safety orders, on the topics of: zipline braking systems and landing zone requirements and procedures and training for zipline operators which were issued to enhance technical and operational safety.
Incidents
Thirty-one incidents were reported in 2024, an 82% increase from the previous year. Of the reported incidents, 11 were ranked as “insignificant,” nine ranked as “minor,” and seven ranked as “moderate,” while two ranked as “major.” Two incidents were “under assessment” by the end of 2024. The increase in incidents this year may have been in part due to passenger collisions on mountain coasters, which were identified by safety officers as incidents that need to be reported. As well, many amusement devices were shut down in previous years due to the pandemic, so the number of incidents in prior years are lower in correlation.
Amusement Devices Incidents by Year
(2020-2024)
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Injuries
Seventeen injuries were reported to us in 2024, which represents an increase of 21% compared to the previous year. Of the injuries reported, two were ranked as “insignificant,” five were ranked as “minor,” nine were ranked as “moderate,” and one was ranked as “major.”
It is important to note that we receive injury reports and descriptions from operators or first responders at the time of, or immediately following, the incident. Injuries may develop after the initial reports were made to us and the long-term effects of a resultant injury may not be recorded as part of our investigation.
Amusement Devices Injuries by Year
(2020-2024)
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Permits
In 2024, we issued 52 installation permits and saw 568 active operating permits in the amusement devices technology. Installation permits decreased 49% compared to 2023. Operating permits also saw a decrease of 5% compared to 2023.
Amusement Devices Installation Permits by Year (2020-2024)
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Amusement Devices Operating Permits by Year (2020-2024)
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Assessments
Our safety officers completed a total of 431 assessments in 2024. Of the 431 assessments, 401 were physical assessments and 30 were remote assessments. The results of in-person assessments included: 287 “conditional pass,” 65 “passed,” and 49 “failed." The results of remote assessments included: 12 “conditional pass,” 15 “passed,” and three “failed.”
Learn more about how we define these assessment outcomes.
Amusement Devices Compliance of Duty Holder's Work in 2024 (Physical Assessment)
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Amusement Devices Compliance of Duty Holder's Work in 2024 (Remote Assessment)
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