Workplace Safety Charges Laid in Tasmanian Primary School Jumping Castle Tragedy

Workplace safety charges have been lodged against Taz-Zorb, the operator of a jumping castle involved in a devastating incident at Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania. The tragedy, which took place on December 16, 2021, claimed the lives of six students: Chace Harrison, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart, Jye Sheehan, and Peter Dodt. On Friday, WorkSafe Tasmania announced that the Director of Public Prosecutions had filed a complaint in the Devonport Magistrates Court. Taz-Zorb is being charged with a category two offense under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, alleging failure to comply with health and safety duties that exposed the children to a risk of death or serious injury.

This development follows an extensive investigation conducted by WorkSafe Tasmania, involving months of diligent work by the regulatory staff. Many documents were prepared and reviewed by the investigators and the Director of Public Prosecutions prior to reaching this decision. As the matter is now before the court, no further information or comment can be provided at this time.

Throughout the year, WorkSafe Tasmania head, Robyn Pearce, has met with the families affected by the tragedy to offer support. In addition to the heartbreaking loss of six students, several children were also seriously injured when the jumping castle being used during end-of-year celebrations became airborne. The incident deeply shocked the Devonport community.

A ceremony was held in Devonport last December to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragedy. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff expressed condolences and emphasized that the loss of these beloved children had reverberated throughout the whole nation.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the families, their loved ones, and the entire Tasmanian community continue to grieve and keep the memories of the young victims in their hearts and minds.