Posted on Wed, Aug. 11, 2004
Disney fined $6,300 for Pluto worker's death in parade
MIKE SCHNEIDER
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. - Walt Disney Entertainment has been fined $6,300 by a federal agency for the death of a worker dressed as Pluto who was run over and killed by a float as it entered a Magic Kingdom parade, officials said Wednesday.
The right foot of Javier Cruz, 38, became caught between the second and third sections of a three-part float as it was about to enter the parade route from a backstage area for the afternoon "Share a Dream Come True" parade last February. His body got twisted around and he fell down.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued the citation categorized as "serious" because employees were exposed to the hazard of being struck by motorized vehicles, according to OSHA. The maximum penalty for a "serious" citation is $7,000, although the agency issues citations as high as $70,000 for repeat violators or if the violation was considered "willful."
Disney has 15 days to contest the citation or request a hearing before an administrative judge, said Les Grove, OSHA's area director in Tampa.
Disney has until Aug. 20 to show OSHA that it has made changes to prevent a similar accident from happening again. Among the measures that would meet that criteria are creating a barrier between floats and parade workers and making sure parade procedures are followed properly, Grove said.
In a statement, Disney spokeswoman Veronica Clemons said officials at the theme park resort planned to review safety measures with OSHA officials.
"The safety and security of our guests and cast members is a top priority," the statement said. "We continue to keep Javier Cruz's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers."
Disney fined $6,300 for Pluto worker's death in parade
MIKE SCHNEIDER
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. - Walt Disney Entertainment has been fined $6,300 by a federal agency for the death of a worker dressed as Pluto who was run over and killed by a float as it entered a Magic Kingdom parade, officials said Wednesday.
The right foot of Javier Cruz, 38, became caught between the second and third sections of a three-part float as it was about to enter the parade route from a backstage area for the afternoon "Share a Dream Come True" parade last February. His body got twisted around and he fell down.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued the citation categorized as "serious" because employees were exposed to the hazard of being struck by motorized vehicles, according to OSHA. The maximum penalty for a "serious" citation is $7,000, although the agency issues citations as high as $70,000 for repeat violators or if the violation was considered "willful."
Disney has 15 days to contest the citation or request a hearing before an administrative judge, said Les Grove, OSHA's area director in Tampa.
Disney has until Aug. 20 to show OSHA that it has made changes to prevent a similar accident from happening again. Among the measures that would meet that criteria are creating a barrier between floats and parade workers and making sure parade procedures are followed properly, Grove said.
In a statement, Disney spokeswoman Veronica Clemons said officials at the theme park resort planned to review safety measures with OSHA officials.
"The safety and security of our guests and cast members is a top priority," the statement said. "We continue to keep Javier Cruz's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers."
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