Changing Procedures To Insure Safer Rides

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- The Tulsa State Fair opens for business Thursday and the state Department of Labor hopes new ride inspection procedures will lead to a safer fair this year. 

Workers are scrambling to install dozens of rides.  At the same time state Labor inspectors are checking every single ride.

This year those inspections also include testing ride operators. 

Oklahoma's Labor Commissioner says the new plan helped the Oklahoma State Fair be accident free for the first time in 20 years. 

"I want to commend them for the job they done in Oklahoma City, and like I said, I'll state it again, that's what we want in Tulsa, no accidents.  We don't want anyone to get hurt.  We want everyone to walk out and not be carried out," said State Department of Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields.

The Labor Department says the inspections and testing should be finished by Friday. 

This year's Tulsa State Fair has about 60 rides.

Related story:

9/23/2008  Ride Inspectors Expect A Safe Fair