Credit: DisneyWhen most people think of Disneyland, they picture family fun, iconic characters, and magical experiences. But a recent report brings attention to a different side of the park: rising employee injuries.
New data based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) statistics show that Disneyland Resort in California has experienced a steady increase in employee injury rates, putting it on a list of U.S. theme parks with climbing workplace incidents.
With more than 38,500 employees, Disneyland reported an incident rate of 7.66 per 100 workers in 2023—a notable rise from previous years, indicating a need for greater attention to safety measures across its extensive operations.
Behind the Numbers: Disney’s Rising Incident Rate
According to the report, Disneyland’s incident rate has gradually risen from 6.5 per 100 employees in 2018 to 7.66 in 2023. Although this may seem like a modest increase at first glance, the scope of Disney’s workforce makes it significant.
With thousands of employees handling various roles—from ride operations and maintenance to crowd management and guest services—an upward trend in incidents is concerning, especially for a brand that has traditionally prioritized safety.
Disneyland’s incident rate still places it somewhere in the middle compared to other major theme parks.
While its 7.66 rate is higher than Universal Orlando’s 5.1 and LEGOLAND Florida’s 2.97, it remains lower than some other parks, such as Dollywood’s HeartSong Resort in Tennessee, which reported a rate of 9.86, and WonderWorks Orlando, with a concerning 16.8 incidents per 100 workers. Disneyland’s data reflects that, while not at the extreme end, there’s room for improvement compared to its peers.
Contributing Factors: Why Are Injuries Rising at Disneyland?
The range of injuries reported at Disneyland includes everything from slips and falls to mechanical issues and even environmental exposures. Disneyland’s complex environment, large crowds, and diverse array of attractions create unique safety challenges:
- Mechanical Hazards: With multiple high-tech attractions and rides with moving parts, Disneyland faces increased risks of mechanical-related injuries for employees involved in maintenance and operation.
- Crowd Management: As one of the most visited theme parks in the world, Disneyland’s staff frequently manage dense crowds. This often leads to overexertion or accidents as employees navigate crowded spaces.
- Environmental Exposures: Disneyland’s outdoor environments and water-based attractions expose employees to risks ranging from heat-related issues to potential chemical exposures during maintenance.
These risks highlight the unique occupational hazards in theme parks, where both employees and guests share the same spaces. For staff members, frequent injuries can impact morale, disrupt operations, and add financial strain on the organization. Disney’s rising incident rate suggests that the company may need to evaluate its safety protocols to better address these challenges.
What’s Driving Disney’s Incident Rate Upward?
Several factors may be contributing to the increase in Disneyland’s injury rate. First, Disney’s operations have expanded over recent years with new attractions and experiences that may present additional risks for staff. Second, as Disneyland’s visitor numbers return to pre-pandemic levels, staff are under greater pressure to meet the demands of high guest volumes, which can impact workplace safety.
Additionally, changes in safety awareness and reporting practices could contribute to the data. In some cases, a rise in incident rates may indicate improved reporting rather than an actual increase in injuries. However, regardless of reporting practices, any increase in incidents underscores the need for robust safety protocols and ongoing employee training.
How Disneyland Stacks Up to Competitors
Disneyland’s incident rate reveals an important perspective on workplace safety in the theme park industry. Although it ranks below more concerning rates at other theme parks like WonderWorks, its rate still exceeds that of Universal Orlando and LEGOLAND, which have managed to maintain lower incident rates despite similar operational demands.
This comparison highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols, especially in large-scale parks. Universal Orlando’s lower incident rate suggests that even major parks with significant foot traffic and complex attractions can successfully implement safety measures to protect employees.
The Critical Role of Safety in Keeping the “Magic” Alive
For Disneyland and other theme parks, workplace safety is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s essential to maintaining a high-quality experience for guests. Employees working behind the scenes contribute to the magic that guests experience, from ensuring rides run smoothly to helping manage crowds.
High safety standards not only protect these employees but also support the smooth operations that make Disneyland a world-renowned destination.
For Disney, the rising incident rate should serve as a wake-up call. A focus on workplace safety, including regular audits, comprehensive employee training, and clear safety protocols, can help the company create a safer environment for its workforce. Investments in safety help preserve the morale and well-being of staff, which is crucial to delivering the magical experiences that guests expect.
Moving Forward: Can Disney Reduce Its Injury Rate?
Disneyland’s incident rate is a reminder that safety requires constant attention, especially in high-traffic environments. Parks like Universal Orlando and LEGOLAND demonstrate that safety improvements are possible. With the right measures, Disneyland has the potential to lower its injury rate over time and set a stronger example for safety within the industry.
While employee safety isn’t the first thing most people associate with Disneyland, it’s a fundamental part of sustaining the park’s legacy. As the resort looks ahead to 2024, there’s hope that Disney will prioritize these numbers and take steps to make Disneyland a safer place for everyone who helps bring the magic to life.
Do you find these injury numbers concerning?