In the News

Free 8-Page Report

All About Telescopic
Bleacher Seats

Download this informational report about telescopic bleacher seats and learn how they work, why they sag and what can be done to ensure long-term trouble free operation. Download PDF

In the News

Six students hurt in bleacher collapse

KPAM 860, May 30, 2008,

Six students at Hillsboro’s West Union Elementary School were hurt Friday morning when the bleachers collapsed. 50 sixth-grade students were on the bleachers having their class picture taken when they gave way. The injuries the six students sustained were not life threatening. One student reportedly suffered a broken ankle. “It could have been quite a bit worse,” said Washington County Sheriff’s Sgt. David Thompson.

Thompson said that some of the support structures that are meant to hold up the bleachers were removed. It is not clear when that happened, but those cross ties were not removed by anyone in the school district, Thompson said. Anyone with information is asked to call (503) 846-2500.

Bleacher Safety

by Michael Fickes

Every year, close to 20,000 men, women, and children fall out of bleachers and suffer injuries. Sometimes, a fall victim dies. Are your bleachers safe enough?

Here’s a scary thought: Experts in bleacher design and bleacher safety say that most facility directors responsible for bleachers probably don’t think much about bleacher safety issues — until someone has an accident.

That may be one reason why Googling “bleachers” on the Internet produces so many advertisements sponsored by personal injury attorneys.

Gymnasium Accident Sends 4 To Hospital

January 5, 2008

Custodian, 3 Uniontown Cheerleaders Suffer Injuries

UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- Three high school cheerleaders and a custodian were rushed to a local hospital after an accident occurred inside the Uniontown High School gymnasium. The cheerleaders were trying to roll up the bleachers Saturday, which collapse into the wall. According to witnesses, something caused the bleachers to topple onto one of the girls.

Bleacher Collapse Injures 6

May 30, 2008

HILLSBORO, Ore. -- Six students were hurt at a Hillsboro school Friday when bleachers collapsed during class photos. Washington County sheriff's deputies said a criminal investigation is under way because supports for the bleachers had been stolen. Deputies said they weren't sure when the supports were removed but that they know they weren't taken by anyone from the school district. The Washington County Forensics Science Unit checked the bleachers for fingerprints hoping to get a lead in the case, deputies said.

50+ Students Hurt in Bleacher Collapse

Published: September 10, 1988

Gymnasium bleachers collapsed at a high school this morning in an assembly, injuring as many as 52 students, the authorities said.

Bleacher-Associated Deaths and Injuries

In 1999 two children died in falls from bleachers. In one case, a six year-old fell from the bleachers through a 13-inch opening between the footboard and seatboard. In another incident, a three year-old fell through an opening in the guardrail.