Jumping castle not 'anchored down' during event at Melbourne school, WorkSafe say

Two Melbourne schools have been flagged for having "unsafe" setups at community events, with one incident involving a jumping castle that wasn't properly anchored.

WorkSafe has issued a warning ahead of the upcoming end-of-year festivities, stating serious risks can occur if inflatable jumping castles and slides are not supervised or operated correctly.

It comes just three years after six children were killed when a jumping castle became airborne during a celebration at Hillcrest Primary School.

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WorkSafe has completed 380 inspections at 44 events and theme parks since the start of this year.

Inspectors issued 41 improvement notices and had duty holders address another 44 identified safety issues immediately.

Two Melbourne schools were among those after inspectors found a jumping castle wasn't anchored down and there was unprotected electrical equipment.

An inflatable ride was also set up beneath power lines.

"Well-meaning parents and volunteers organising events on a tight budget may be tempted to choose a cheaper, less professional amusement hire option, but backyard operators just aren't worth the risk," WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said.

"No one wants a celebration to turn to tragedy, that's why it's crucial that event organisers ask questions about safety equipment, systems and processes – and if you're not satisfied with the answers, go elsewhere."

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Some other common issues flagged by inspectors included; inadequate anchoring of inflatables, lack of weather protection on electrical blowers or guarding to prevent children accessing them, and inadequate systems for supervision of patrons and pedestrian management.

"Anyone considering hiring amusement rides or inflatables for events must do their due diligence and ensure the ride hirer prioritises safety in all aspects of their operation, including delivery, set-up, operation, pack-up and maintenance," Jenkin said.

"Operators who can't demonstrate safety procedures and provide evidence of their competence and maintenance checks, such as a logbook and training records, may not be a suitable choice."

WorkSafe warned that all Victorian employers, including those organising community events in their workplaces, have a legal duty to provide a safe workplace for both their own workers and other people, including members of the public.