ORLANDO, Fla., March 4 (UPI) -- Workers in Walt Disney character costumes at the company's U.S. theme parks have a high injury rate, the Orlando Tribune reported.
Disney, which operates parks around the world, employs thousands of workers who dress as Disney characters and greet guests, march in parades and perform other visitor services around the parks. The death of a costumed worker in 2004 raised questions about the safety of the workers.
The high rate of injuries -- obtained from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration -- has been attributed to myriad factors such as heavy, stifling and hot costumes and overexcited guests.
A worker's costume can weigh as much as 60 pounds. With the head being the heaviest part, many complain of neck and back injuries, the newspaper said.
Other hazards include rashes and heat stroke.
Disney is reportedly working on ways to reduce the weight of costumes, but a hazard that remains is extreme heat, the Tribune said.
Sources told the newspaper that remedies such as portable fans and ice vests have been used, but to little avail.
