Adelaide Ice Arena Faces Criminal Charges Over Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Incident
SafeWork SA has initiated criminal proceedings against the Adelaide Ice Arena following a serious incident that resulted in the hospitalisation of more than 40 players and spectators. The charges relate to alleged exposure to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide during a women's ice hockey match, with the regulator accusing the company of failing to ensure safety at the venue.
Details of the Alleged Offence and Potential Penalties
The regulator has charged Adelaide Ice Arena Pty Ltd with a Category 2 offence under section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act. This charge alleges that the company did not take adequate measures to prevent people from being put at risk by work activities conducted at the facility. If found guilty, the company could face a substantial fine of up to $1.5 million for the alleged mass poisoning incident.
Timeline and Circumstances of the Incident
The charges stem from an event that occurred on February 10, 2024, during an Australian Women's Ice Hockey League match between the Adelaide Rush and Melbourne Ice. Patrons inside the Thebarton rink began experiencing symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Emergency services were called to the arena in the early hours of the morning, with Metropolitan Fire Service crews conducting atmospheric testing that detected high concentrations of carbon monoxide.
Investigation Findings and Alleged Causes
SafeWork SA alleges that the exposure was caused by a poorly maintained fuel-powered ice resurfacer used to clean and smooth the rink surface. According to investigators, this machine, which operates on liquid petroleum gas, emitted significant levels of carbon monoxide during the match. The regulator further claims that the company failed to ensure the resurfacer was safe to operate and did not have adequate air-monitoring systems in place to detect rising carbon monoxide levels.
Impact on the Community and Safety Obligations
The venue is utilised by various groups, including ice hockey teams, figure skaters, broomball clubs, school groups, and the wider community. SafeWork SA emphasises that the business had a duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that people were not put at risk by its operations. More than 40 individuals required hospital treatment as a result of the incident, highlighting the severe consequences of the alleged safety failures.
7NEWS.com.au has reached out to the Melbourne Ice and Adelaide Rush hockey teams for comment on the matter, though responses have not yet been disclosed. The case underscores the importance of workplace safety protocols in public venues and the potential legal ramifications for non-compliance.
