NEW REPORT Reveals Disney Employee Injuries Are Rising

When you think of Disneyland, what comes to mind?

Disneyland

Most likely magic, iconic characters, and family fun come to mind — not employee injuries. But a recent report came out that shows employee injuries at Disneyland are on the rise. Let’s talk about it!

As we were saying, a recent study based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data, reveals that Disney’s Disneyland Resort in California was among the U.S. theme parks with a rising employee incident rate in 2023.

With over 38,500 employees, Disney reported an incident rate of 7.66 per 100 workers which puts it on the “less-than-ideal” list of parks where employee injuries are climbing.

Disney’s Rising Incident Rate

Disney’s increased incident rate is part of a larger trend seen in some of America’s largest theme parks. According to the report, Disney’s incident rate has steadily risen from 6.5 per 100 employees back in 2018 to 7.7 in 2023.

This might not seem that dramatic at first glance, but when you consider the massive scale of Disney’s operations, where thousands of employees work in various roles from operating rides to managing guest services, this increase is a real concern.

Disney vs. Other Theme Parks: How Safe Is It?

While Disney’s 7.66 incident rate is high compared to smaller parks, it’s still lower than some major competitors. For example, Dollywood’s HeartSong Resort in Tennessee reported a 9.86 incident rate, while WonderWorks Orlando had an alarming 16.8 per 100 employees in 2023.

Yet, Disney’s numbers aren’t as low as other notable parks either. Universal Orlando Resort reported an incident rate of 5.1, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort stands even lower at 2.97 incidents per 100 workers. So while Disney is not topping the “worst” list, it still has room for improvement when compared to other popular destinations.

What’s Causing These Injuries?

The report covers a variety of injury types, including everything from slips, falls, and mechanical injuries to skin disorders and respiratory issues. Larger parks with high incident rates like Disneyland Resort have complex environments where numerous factors can lead to injuries:

- Mechanical Risks: Operating and maintaining large rides with moving parts increases the likelihood of mechanical injuries.
- Crowd Management: Disneyland’s popularity means staff members often deal with large crowds, which can lead to injuries from overexertion or accidents in crowded spaces.
- Environmental Exposures: With outdoor environments and water-based attractions, there’s a risk of exposure to heat, chemicals, or even animals, which can lead to health incidents.

Each incident doesn’t just impact the individual worker. It can also disrupt operations, impact employee morale, and lead to increased costs. Disney and other theme parks now face the challenge of balancing these risks while trying to maintain high visitor satisfaction.

Why Is Disney’s Incident Rate Going Up?

Quite a number of factors could explain why Disney’s employee injury rate is on the rise. For one, Disney’s operations have grown. They are constantly adding new attractions and services that could contribute to increased complexity in maintaining safety. Additionally, as the park’s visitor numbers climb back to pre-pandemic levels, there’s more demand on staff to keep things running smoothly.

Changes in reporting practices or awareness of safety could also impact the data. To be fair, in some cases, increased incident rates reflect better reporting rather than an actual rise in injuries, but regardless, any rise in incident rate indicates a need for heightened safety measures.

The Importance of Workplace Safety in Theme Parks

Theme parks are more than just attractions. They’re also workplaces. The fun that guests experience is made possible by thousands of employees who work tirelessly behind the scenes. When a park’s safety standards are high, employees feel secure, morale improves, and operations run more smoothly. And for a beloved institution like Disney, employee safety is critical in sustaining the “magic” and ensuring a happy, healthy workforce.

Can Disney Reduce Its Injury Rate?

Hopefully, Disney’s injury rate is a signal to park management that workplace safety needs ongoing attention. Large parks may always face unique risks, but as parks like Universal Orlando have shown, there is potential for improvement. If Disney can invest further in employee training, regular safety audits, and enhanced safety protocols, it should be possible to lower its incident rate over time.

Again, employee safety isn’t the first thing we think of when we picture a visit to Disneyland, but it’s an essential part of keeping the park magical for both employees and visitors alike. Here’s hoping Disney takes these numbers to heart and makes the rest of 2024 and beyond safer for everyone behind the magic.

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