The circus is an annual rite of spring for children and children-at-heart, with its amazing acrobatic stunts, trained animals, theatrics and, of course, silly clowns. It’s supposed to be a time of joy for adults and youth alike, with cotton candy or glowing toys in every hand of those who fill the stands with jaws agape as they stare at the performances in the rings.
For such an innocent and ancient tradition to be marred by tragedy is particularly unfortunate, and the terrible accident that recently occurred during the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus should be a catalyst for safety improvements in the industry.
The accident took place May 4 during a show in Providence, R.I., when nine performers were injured after a 350-pound chandelier apparatus fell from the rafters. Eight of the performers, referred to as “hairialists,” were hanging from the chandelier by their hair, while the other injured performer was on the ground below the apparatus when it fell.
Investigators are blaming the incident on failure of the steel carabiner clip that was used to attach the chandelier to the rafters. It was reportedly found in three pieces on the ground, its spine snapped, according to Associated Press reports.
The injuries suffered by the performers involved in this accident are very serious, including broken bones, a pierced liver and even spinal cord injuries that could leave one or more of them paralyzed.
Of course, not every accident can be avoided ”“ that’s why they’re called accidents ”“ but improvements can always be made to safety processes, particularly in a field where people are risking their lives and well-being for our entertainment.
In this case, no net was below these performers when they fell, and while some have said the impact of the chandelier itself would have injured them anyway, it’s hard to believe these women would not have been better off without the initial impact of hitting the floor, too.
Some believe that crowds enjoy the daring and absolute faith of these performers who go about their aerial routines with no net, but realistically, it’s no less impressive to see someone perform these feats with a net set up below. Even the most seasoned professionals can have a missed connection with the trapeze once in a while or lose their grip on a partner’s wrist. It simply doesn’t make any sense for them to risk not only their livelihood, but their health and very lives for the crowd to have a few thrills.
Just 10 years ago, an acrobat died when the aerial silk on which she was performing gave way and she fell 30 feet to the concrete floor, according to an Associated Press report ”“ and Occupational Safety and Health Administration didn’t even investigate because the risk was “part of the act.”
We feel that’s unacceptable, and if it’s that unsafe, the act needs to be updated. Certainly, those whose children watched the hairialists fall must be wishing they could tell them those women would all be OK, because they were using safety equipment. We teach our children to wear helmets when bicycling, knee pads when skateboarding, their seatbelts in the car, and to use all other manner of safety equipment when they are out and about. The circus, which is directed primarily at children, should reinforce that message.
An extra carabiner clip as a backup would not have hindered the performance, and neither would a net for any acrobat who is performing at a height.
It’s time for OSHA to improve its regulatory oversight of traveling shows such as concerts, circuses and carnivals, since those who work with these companies have a right to a safe workplace just as everyone else does.
Traveling show setups are generally inspected only by the crew and the performers, not by the local fire department or codes office personnel. A discussion should take place on whether it’s feasible to train local officials to inspect these setups, too, particularly in cities that regularly host them.
It is our hope that those performers who sought to bring wonder and awe to the Providence audience will fully heal from their injuries and will help to advocate for a safer work environment in the future. Helping circus performers stay safe will ensure the future of these grand spectacles, and show young people that safety always comes first.
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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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