Fair collapse reports prompt changes

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The reports and recommendations that came out of the Indiana State Fair stage collapse investigations are prompting Fair leaders to make changes.

State Fair Commission Chairman Andre Lacy said officials are moving forward to create better public safety plans for the future.

“We owe that to those lost and injured, and their families that must continue forward as well,” Lacy said.

The following are changes the State Fair Commission plans to implement:

• Implement the recommendations from the Witt Associates and Thorton Tomasetti reports, from code compliance and inspections to comprehensive public safety plans in conjunction with community public-safety partners.
• Hiring a chief operations officer primarily responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Witt Associates and Thorton Tomasetti recommendations and drive public safety forward.
• Establish a risk assessment practice and expectations that will be set and monitored by the commission.
• Use the IOSHA report to further the protection of employees.