A fairground operator has been fined following the death of a doting grandad who suffered serious head injuries while working on a ride.
Dean Cariss was struck by a moving car on a rollercoaster ride at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park on March 19, 2023. The 52-year-old was carrying out daily testing and maintenance at the time and sustained severe head injuries as a result of the incident.
Emergency services, including the Great North Air Ambulance, were called to the scene and Mr Cariss was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary by road. He sadly died in hospital 13 days later.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation was launched as a result of the incident, which found that fairground operator, Premier Attractions Limited, had failed to ensure the health and safety of employees. The company pleaded guilty and was fined £28,000 at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on December 17, 2024.
Premier Attractions fined after death of maintenance worker who was hit by rollercoaster car
(Image: HSE)
Mr Cariss had been with his partner Helen Wright for more than 15 years and had also acted as her carer. He was also a step father to Helen’s three grown-up children, as well as being a step grandparent to nine.
In a written statement provided to the court, Helen said: “Dean had a fantastic relationship with my kids. He also idolised his grandchildren, and treated them like his own. He was bubbly and fun and would do daft things with them. He was very generous and liked to help people.”
“My whole life has been turned upside down and back to front,” Helen added.
“He would move heaven and earth for me. He was a big personality and I miss the fun and laughter. Silence is deafening when I am in the house on my own.
“Everybody fell in love with him when they met him. There was no serious side, just laughter and fun.”
The investigation by HSE found that Premier Attractions Limited had failed to ensure the health and safety of employees. It was found that a suitable and sufficient risk assessment had not been carried out and proper controls had not been employed to prevent employees accessing dangerous areas whilst the ride was operating.
Premier Attractions Limited of Little Hulton, Manchester, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with section 2(1) of The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 – an offence contrary to s.33(1)(a) of that Act. They were fined £28,000 and ordered to pay £5,976 costs.
HSE Inspector William Gilroy said: “This tragic incident led to the avoidable death of a caring, family man. Dean’s death could easily have been prevented if his employer had acted to identify and manage the risks involved, and to put a safe system of work in place.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those who fall below the required standards.”