• The state's Department of Labor is inspecting rides at amusement parks and carnivals as part of the annual effort to ensure rides are safe. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union) Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN / 10036185A
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The state's Department of Labor is inspecting rides at amusement parks and carnivals as part of the annual effort to ensure rides are safe. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)
The state's Department of Labor is inspecting rides at amusement parks and carnivals as part of the annual effort to ensure rides are safe. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN
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The state has begun inspections of amusement parks and carnivals, beginning the annual investigation into the safety of rides.

"As the summer recreation season approaches, it's important for the public to know that the amusement devices we all enjoy are safe for use," said State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon.

The labor department inspects all amusement parks and carnivals outside of New York City. Amusement park rides are inspected once a year and labor officials say carnival rides are inspected whenever they are set up at new locations.

Rides cannot be operated without a permit from the labor department. Last year, inspectors performed 1,679 inspections on 8,418 amusement rides. They issued 2,784 orders to correct violations.