Analysis of Oregon’s Amusement Ride Program

Ted Ebora – Executive Masters of Public AdministrationHatfield School of GovernmentJune 15, 2013

Introduction

Rides – approximately 492 permits issued annually.

Operators – approximately 70 amusement ride operators every year.

Around the state – Newberg, St. Paul, Mollalla, Portland, and Sandy Festivals

Wave Swinger

Permit Process

• Application

• Fee - $25

• Permit fee = ??

• Revenue = $12,300 (year)

Research

• State of Oregon regulations compared to other states.

• Public perception survey on the state of Oregon amusement ride program.

• Recommended alternative to the current program.

Why is this important?

• Carnival worker killed underneath spinning ride. Sept 2012 (New York)

• Ferris wheel bolt injures girl. May 2012 (Michigan)

• Woman injured in fall from fair ride. November 2012 (Louisiana)

• State liability(source: Ridesafety.com)

Reporting Requirements

Results - Safety

8.2%

47.3%29.5%

12.1%

2.9%

Knowing that amusement rides are regulated by the state of Oregon, how safe do you feel getting on a carnival ride?

Very Safe

Safe

Neutral

Not Safe

Not Very Safe

Results - Expectations

67.6%

29.5%

2.9%

What are your expectations, as an Oregon resident, with rides regulated by the state of Oregon?

All amusement rides are inspected by the state for safety.

Random inspections conducted by the state.

All major inspections conducted by ride operators themselves.

Results – Permit stickers

72.5%

27.5%

Visual view of a state of Oregon sticker on an amusement ride that shows the ride has an approved permit with the state of Oregon will

Increase my sense of safety about the ride.

Will not change my feeling of safety.

Proposed Changes

• Expand the program.• Fiscal Impact

• Eliminate the program from state oversight.• Fiscal Impact

Implementing

• Strategy – Proposed changes (2011 Legislative session)

• Process – Legislative session

Maintaining the status quo will not resolve the disconnect between the public’s

perception regarding state regulation of amusement rides and the actual level of

oversight provided under the Building Codes Division current program.

The agency will continue to collect a fee and process paperwork that does not appear to result in significant public safety protection.

Questions??