Disney worker injured in 'magic carpet' fall
'Aladdin' closed Tuesday and part of Wednesday for Cal-OSHA investigation.
By DANIELLE HERUBIN
The Orange County Register
ANAHEIM – A stage technician testing the magic-carpet special effects for the Disney show "Aladdin" fell about 42 feet Tuesday morning, shutting down the popular show for more than a day.
The 36-year-old Disney employee, who was not identified, was in critical condition at UCI Medical Center, company spokeswoman Sondra Haley said.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health began its investigation Tuesday.
"We're most likely going to look at a few issues," said Dean Fryer, a Cal-OSHA spokesman. "One would be training. The other is fall protection."
The state will release its conclusion in two to three months, Fryer said.
"Disney's Aladdin, A Musical Spectacular" has played to mostly packed audiences since opening Jan. 16. The accident happened at the Hyperion Theater in Disney's California Adventure theme park.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow cast member and his family," said Cynthia Harriss, president of The Disneyland Resort.
The theater holds 1,899 people. "Aladdin" is performed two to three times a day. It was closed Tuesday and reopened for its second performance Wednesday.
The worker was in a safety harness at about 6 a.m. as he tested special effects. Disney does not know what caused the fall, Haley said.
"It's the same procedure that happens every single morning prior to opening," Haley said.
Disney workers need about five hours to prepare the theater for "Aladdin," which brings the popular Disney animated movie to the stage.
Working in the theater industry I know all too well what can happen if you are not careful while on the job. I must say, when I work in the catwalks aiming fixtures I rarely use a harness, even though its required by OSHA(in most union jobs). I am guessing the harness snapped or he fell out of it. Well my heart goes out to him and his family.
'Aladdin' closed Tuesday and part of Wednesday for Cal-OSHA investigation.
By DANIELLE HERUBIN
The Orange County Register
ANAHEIM – A stage technician testing the magic-carpet special effects for the Disney show "Aladdin" fell about 42 feet Tuesday morning, shutting down the popular show for more than a day.
The 36-year-old Disney employee, who was not identified, was in critical condition at UCI Medical Center, company spokeswoman Sondra Haley said.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health began its investigation Tuesday.
"We're most likely going to look at a few issues," said Dean Fryer, a Cal-OSHA spokesman. "One would be training. The other is fall protection."
The state will release its conclusion in two to three months, Fryer said.
"Disney's Aladdin, A Musical Spectacular" has played to mostly packed audiences since opening Jan. 16. The accident happened at the Hyperion Theater in Disney's California Adventure theme park.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow cast member and his family," said Cynthia Harriss, president of The Disneyland Resort.
The theater holds 1,899 people. "Aladdin" is performed two to three times a day. It was closed Tuesday and reopened for its second performance Wednesday.
The worker was in a safety harness at about 6 a.m. as he tested special effects. Disney does not know what caused the fall, Haley said.
"It's the same procedure that happens every single morning prior to opening," Haley said.
Disney workers need about five hours to prepare the theater for "Aladdin," which brings the popular Disney animated movie to the stage.
Working in the theater industry I know all too well what can happen if you are not careful while on the job. I must say, when I work in the catwalks aiming fixtures I rarely use a harness, even though its required by OSHA(in most union jobs). I am guessing the harness snapped or he fell out of it. Well my heart goes out to him and his family.
Imagine the lawsuits Disney would get from that one!