Safety First--Always.

• Author: Murphy, Tim
• Position: BY THE BOOK - Safety measures at family entertainment venues

THE FACTS are sobering, gut-wrenching, and indisputable: children needlessly are suffering--and even dying--due to subpar safety standards at family entertainment venues, notably amusement and trampoline parks. However, the problem is far more pervasive than that, as there is an array of other types of family-oriented centers and activities fraught with downright unacceptable facility flaws and inadequate policies, or a lack of suitable safety measures or policies altogether.

Below are some red flags that indicate a family entertainment venue needs to be vetted for safety shortcomings.

The No. I safety protocol starts with suitable management. Does it appear that the managers are trained properly? Are they engaged with their attention to the facility, employees, and patrons or are they indelibly sequestered "in the back" somewhere? Does there appear to be safety checks and measures in place based on signage and how staffers are managing the floor, and regularly checking on equipment and facilities? If the bathrooms are a mess, what might this say about property equipment care and upkeep? If any of these are apparent issues, it is a major red flag and perhaps the tip of the iceberg among other issues you may find at the location.

Floor staffers are a direct reflection of the management's training style, depth, and frequency. Without proper staff training and experience on the grounds, it becomes problematic for everyone. One wrong or missed action by a team member could be detrimental to any family member or even employees. Is the attraction led by trained staff members that are demonstrably and thoroughly engaged in all aspects of the post for which they are responsible? Are they appropriately managing patrons who are engaging with people or equipment improperly? Are they actively ensuring that safety protocols are being adhered to by guests and continuing to check back? Are they demonstrating proper techniques on how to use equipment? Are they picking up litter or otherwise resolving problems and exuding pride in their role and environment? Are they interacting with customers professionally and with a genuine smile? An absence of these qualities, certainly in combination, is a red flag that attentiveness may be lacking.

Does the equipment appear clean, properly installed, and in good working condition, or do you see stains on the equipment or floors, rips, tears, and other obvious signs of equipment use and wear and tear? The latter traits...