Stilt Walkers

I was at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World yesterday and there was a parade. 

I saw the stilt walkers and was surprised to see that they are now wearing safety helmets.  

I started to wonder if that was a recent safety requirement by OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) or did Disney require it in the interest of safety.   I know that they are pretty good at keeping their balance but what if they trip on something or slip on a wet spot.   And look at the picture of a stilt walker who is leaning to his right.   It just seems that he is leaning way too far.   And if you look at his left foot it is up off the ground.

Here he seems to be running and has both feet off the ground.

You can tell by the shadows.   The shadow doesn't meet the foot.

It is a long way to fall and they will be landing on hard concrete.  When I was working at Disney and having my afternoon break.   They had a TV in the room for the employees to watch.   But it was on a shelf that was almost to the ceiling.   There was no way to change the channel.   The door to the backstage area opens and in walks a stilt walker (who had to bend way over top get through the doorway) and he walks over to the television and he changed the channel and stood there leaning against the wall watching television.   He didn't stay long because the parade was forming up backstage and it was almost parade time.   He didn't have a helmet on and I don't remember the stilt walkers wearing helmets back then (14 years ago).   But I am glad that they do wear helmets for safety.   Walt Disney World where everyone is happy and having a great time.   Lew