OSHA Investigates New York Carnival Worker Death

Workplace safety officials are investigating the weekend death of a Long Island, N.Y., carnival worker who was struck on the head by a spinning ride.

OSHA’s Long Island office opened an inspection Sunday. It intends to determine whether or not there were any violations of workplace safety standards.

There’s no estimated completion time.

The accident happened Saturday night at the Feast of Mother Cabrini festival in Brentwood.

Suffolk County police and the worker’s employer say Michael Austin went under the ride to take care of something related to its music. When he stood up, the ride – called the Scat – knocked him to the ground.

The owner said safety procedures call for operators to wait until a ride stops before stepping beneath it.

The 16 riders were unhurt.

Organizers say the 1972 ride was found to be working properly.