Summer amusement ride inspections begin

ALBANY, N.Y. – Inspectors in New York state have begun their annual safety check of amusement rides as the summer gets under way.

The state Department of Labor said Friday that its field teams inspect all amusement park rides at least once a year. The department also checks rides at travelling carnivals each time they set up in a new location.

Inspectors check to make sure that rides are assembled correctly and that all equipment and safety harnesses are working properly. They also observe the employees operating the rides to ensure they follow all safety guidelines.

Last year the state performed nearly 1,700 checks on more than 8,400 rides. Inspectors issued nearly 2,800 orders requiring operators to correct problems.