Disney fined for safety violations in park death

[September 17, 2011]  ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A federal agency has cited Disney with three safety citations totaling $69,000 related to the death of a mechanic who died in March while doing work on a ride at its Animal Kingdom park.

Each of the violations, which were officially issued last week, is deemed serious by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A probe was opened after a 52-year-old park worker was struck and killed by one of the Primeval Whirl ride's four-person vehicles while doing maintenance on the small roller coaster.

Investigators say in the citation that gate sensors were not maintained and that guardrails weren't installed properly.

A Disney spokesman says they have thoroughly reviewed the findings and have implemented several safety enhancements to Primeval Whirl to address the concerns raised by OSHA.

[Associated Press; By KYLE HIGHTOWER]

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