Illinois Department of Labor halts operation of 'Yo-Yo' amusement rides across state in wake of California county fair incident

Department halts operation of ride to protect patrons expected at fairs, carnivals and attractions this weekend

[May 23, 2008]  CHICAGO -- The Illinois Department of Labor has directed all owners and operators of "Yo-Yo" amusement devices manufactured by Chance Rides Manufacturing Inc., a Kansas-based company, to immediately cease operation of these devices in Illinois. The directive comes in response to published reports of an incident on May 16 at the Calaveras County Fair in California, where a Chance Yo-Yo collapsed while in operation, injuring all riders aboard. The cause of the California incident is still under investigation.

Two Illinois operators currently have 2008 permits issued by Department of Labor to operate Yo-Yo rides in Illinois. Another six owners had permits last year to operate such rides and are expected to seek 2008 permits in the very near future. On May 17, upon receiving word of the accident in California, safety inspectors from the Illinois Department of Labor contacted the two permitted carnivals and directed them to immediately halt operation of the ride until further notice from the department.

Since then the Department of Labor has been actively engaged in due diligence, designed to ensure the safe operation of the ride in Illinois. On Wednesday, following consideration of all available information, the Department of Labor issued a written emergency directive instructing owners and operators that no Yo-Yo ride may be operated in Illinois until the ride has been inspected or reinspected by the department's carnival safety staff.

"Public safety, especially when it involves protecting children, is of the greatest concern to our department. We will ensure that all ride owners are in compliance with the Yo-Yo ride manufacturer's safety recommendations and that we have thoroughly inspected the rides before allowing them to operate in Illinois," said Catherine Shannon, director of the Illinois Department of Labor.

This emergency directive is consistent with the department's mandate under the Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act, 430 ILCS 85, to ensure the safe operation of amusement rides and attractions in Illinois. With questions regarding this issue, owners may contact the Illinois Department of Labor at 217-782-9347.

[Text from Illinois Department of Labor file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]