When Neil Mitchell asked WorkSafe Victoria about ride safety in 2016

Serious questions are being asked about the safety of carnival rides today after a shocking accident at Rye that’s left a little boy fighting for his life.

But the questions aren’t new.

In fact, Neil Mitchell asked them in October last year, and that interview sounds almost chilling today.

The interview was with Marnie Williams, the boss of health and safety at WorkSafe Victoria, which polices ride operators.

Ms Williams: (Carnival rides are) inspected as and when they’re at major events.

Neil Mitchell: What if they’re not a major events? What if they’re getting around these little events around state … there’s one at Rye there’s one at Rosebud. What about the small operators, are they policed?

Ms Williams: Well, they’ll be police as and when they come to our attention.

Neil Mitchell: So it’s reactive, not proactive, on the smaller ones?

Ms Williams: Yes.

Neil Mitchell: Oh.

Click PLAY to hear the full interview in October last year

WorkSafe issued a statement about 9.30am this morning regarding 

WorkSafe is investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident in which a five-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after falling from a carnival ride in Rye yesterday.

The boy was on the Cha Cha ride when the incident took place, shortly after 5pm.

Initial inquiries indicate that the ride may have been used by carnival workers and their families after the carnival had closed.

WorkSafe was at the scene last night and issued a notice to ensure the scene was not disturbed so investigations could continue today.

Inquiries will focus on a number of issues, in particular the height requirements for riders, to determine if all safety procedures had been followed.

As the investigation is ongoing it is inappropriate to comment further.