HSE inspectors act for “public safety” on nine theme park rides

Woodlands Family Theme Park was unable to provide sufficient assurance that the rides had undergone valid safety checks, but was able to rectify the issues quickly to minimise disruption.

On Thursday 26 June 2025, HSE inspected the venue as part of its ongoing programme of inspections to fixed and mobile fairgrounds across the country.

After David Geary of DMG Technical Limited was suspended from the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS), Declarations of Compliance for the nine rides were missing. HSE took proactive action to stop them being used until the issue was resolved.

The following rides were affected:

• Rocking Tug
• Sea Dragon
• Vertigo
• Trauma Tower
• Tractor Ride
• Submarine Ride
• Dragon Ferris Wheel
• Polar Pilots
• Dizzy Dune Buggies.

Woodlands Family Theme Park urgently commissioned an inspection body, who produced the Declarations of Compliance required, meaning the rides could reopen with minimal delay.

HSE inspector Melissa Lai-Hung said: “This action was taken in the interests of public safety. At this time of year, any enforcement action will cause inconvenience, but it is vital that those who enjoy amusement parks are kept safe and feel reassured. We thank Woodlands for their co-operation to resolve this matter.”

Woodlands Family Theme Park said: “We take HSE-related compliance legislation very seriously. As soon as this was brought to our attention, all the rides were reinspected by another registered inspector. We would like to add that at no time would Woodlands ever be involved in anything related to non-compliance of safety. We have and will remain totally committed to raising and maintaining standards in our industry.”