FEATURE T


Understanding THE Safety Pyramid Theory Breaking the Chain:


By NAARSO Social Media Committee


he Safety Pyramid Theory, also known as Heinrich’s Pyramid, is a foundational concept in risk manage- ment that emphasizes the relationship between mi-


nor incidents and serious accidents. In amusement ride operations,


inspections, and mantenance, under maintenanci


The Pyramid’s Five Level Fatalities


re- thorough inspec- evels


The top of the pyramid represent the most severe outcome: death Th tragic events are rare but often result from a series of overlooked warn-warn- ing signs. Preventing fatalities re- quires strict adherence to safety procedures,


tions, and immediate action on hazards.


2Serious Injuries 3Minor Injuries 4Near Misses


Below fatalities are major injuries, such as broken bones or traumatic injuries caused by ride malfunctions or operational


or


errors. These incidents highlight critical failures in engineer- ing controls, maintenance, or operator training.


Cuts, bruises, or strains may seem insignificant, but they


signal safety weaknesses. A maintenance worker tripping over loose cables or an operator suffering repetitive strain can indicate larger procedural flaws. Addressing these inci- dents prevents more severe injuries from occurring.


These are unplanned events that could have resulted in


injury but didn’t—like a guest stepping into a restricted area before being stopped or a safety restraint failing but catching in time. Near misses are crucial warning signs that should be thoroughly investigated and corrected.


5Unsafe Acts & Conditions (Base of the Pyramid) The foundation of the pyramid consists of minor infrac-


tions, such as operators skipping safety checks, maintenance staff using improper tools, or guests bypassing barriers. These seemingly small actions, if left unchecked, build up and lead to the more severe incidents higher up the pyramid.


represents th. These n resul


this model helps parks prevent ca astrophic ailure by ad dressing small issues before they escalate


cattastrophic ffailures by ad- ey escalate.


understanding nding


Preventing Accidents at the Base The key to reducing serious accidents is focusing on the


bo tom


botttom of the pyhe pyram es, and minor njurie


es, and minor i injuries,, parks can prevent major incidents be- fofore they happ


 Encouraging Reporting Employ


re they happen.. S rategie Encouraging Rep


Employees sh hazards an punishment.


Regul Re


Sttrateg s include: s should feel empowered to report


hazardsand near misses withoutfearof pu


 Regular Training & Drills


Reiinffororcing proper procedures ensures consis


onsistency and helps correct unsafe beha


haviors early.


 Thorough Incident Investigations


Every reported issue, no matter how minor, should be reviewed to determinerootcausesand corrective actions.


 Routine Inspections & Audits


Identifying unsafe conditions before they escalate ensures continued compliance with safety standards.


By taking proactive steps at the base of the Safety Pyramid,


amusement parks can prevent small issues from becoming major tragedies, ensuring a safer experience for guests and employees alike.


miid. By adBy addressing unsafe acts, near miss- parks


PROFESSIONAL AUCTIONEERS P.O. Box 279 • Coldwater, MI 49036


www. dan@spiethandsatow.com


517-279-9063 spiethandsatow.com


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