Worker Killed On The Job At Disney- Settlement Reached

Russel Roscoe, A 52 year old attractions mechanic, passed away in 2011 when a ride vehicle struck him during a testing of Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom. Disney has reached a settlement with the family of the worker and the terms of the settlement will remain confidential.

Roscoe and other workers were “wet testing” the ride when the accident occurred. During wet testing, some employees spray water from the top of the lift platform while others inspect systems such as brakes.

Brian Denney, the Victim’s family attorney, had previously said the problem stemmed from launching a vehicle while Roscoe was in the “ride envelope” — an area close to the tracks in which a person can be injured or killed.

Denney had argued in legal proceedings there was enough evidence to show managers were aware that Roscoe was in an unsafe location and that Roscoe would have had reason to believe the vehicle would not be launched while he was in the ride envelope.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Disney after a probe into Roscoe’s death. The company paid $47,250 in fines, according to the agency.