Last fall we wrote a post on injuries a worker at Disneyland suffered when a car that is part of the Space Mountain roller coaster struck him. At the time of the incident the machinist was in the process of running a test on another roller coaster car. As a result of the incident, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration commenced an investigation into the matter. That investigation led to several of the park rides, including Space Mountain, being temporarily shut down this past weekend, likely leaving many guests, possibly even some from Pittsburgh, in the lurch. In addition to Space Mountain, Soarin' Over California and the Matterhorn were closed as well.

According to a park representative, the closures of the popular ride were voluntary. They were apparently the result of a safety citation the amusement park received from OSHA. The investigation prompted by the work related injury that occurred last fall, uncovered a total of seven safety violations. Three of those violations were deemed serious. As is the case with most safety violations uncovered by OSHA, there are monetary fines levied. In this case the park is facing a total of $234,850.

Among the violations uncovered were the lack of guardrails on elevators used by workers as well as ladders that are not safe. Another citation was issued because of the absence of fire extinguishers on the Space Mountain ride.
Park officials indicated that the closures were not due to any dangers posed to visitors to the park. In fact, the Matterhorn reopened the following day.

Source: Hollywood Reporter, Disneyland Shuts Down Space Mountain After Safety Citation," Erik Hayden, April 14, 2013