Ride Inspectors Expect A Safe Fair

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The Tulsa State Fair kicks off in less than two days.  This year, officials promise to take extra steps to make sure all the rides are operating smoothly.

The midway is beginning to take shape, as workers are getting dozens of rides ready for Thursday.  Those who inspect the rides say they will also be working extra hard to ensure that the operators know what they're doing.

After several accidents at last year's fair, the Oklahoma Department of Labor is hoping for a better performance this year.

"We want people walking in and walking out.  We don't want them carried out," said Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields.

Employees are now working against the clock to assemble rides before the gates open.  All of the rides also need to be inspected.

The Oklahoma Department of Labor is in charge of the inspections, and this year, it will have more responsibility, and authority than in the past.  In addition to giving the rides the go-ahead, the department must also now verify that ride operators are competent.        

That means quizzing operators about loading the ride, evacuation procedures, and how to stop the ride in case of an emergency.  Operators must get at least 70% of the questions correct.

"We told them that when you get to Tulsa, bar none, if you do not pass our verifying, that you know that fact sheet, you won't be able to operate that ride," said Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields.

The Oklahoma Department of Labor says it already tested its new verification process during the Oklahoma State Fair.  It claims that fair had no accidents for the first time in 20 years, and Tulsa State Fair officials would like to see that same level of success here.

"Safety is always our top concern here at the Tulsa State Fair. So, whatever we need to do to assist in that process, we'll do," said Expo Square's Amanda Blair.

So, despite problems in recent years, the Oklahoma Department of Labor is confident that our fair can be accident free.

The labor department wanted to institute more requirements for ride operators, but Governor Henry rejected its proposal earlier this month.