In recent years, haunted house attractions across the United States have become a major part of our entertainment culture, drawing millions of guests annually. While these events are built around fear and excitement, the safety of both guests and employees must never be part of the scare.

There have been increasing reports of violence, assaults, theft, harassment, and unsafe behavior within some haunted attractions — often involving individuals who were hired without proper screening or oversight. As producers, actors, and fans of the haunt industry, we believe it is critical that every attraction takes full responsibility for the people they hire and the environments they create.

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Our Call to Action

We, the undersigned, are calling upon the Haunted Attraction Association (HAA), OSHA, and state labor authorities to establish mandatory background check requirements for all haunted attraction employees, contractors, and volunteers — including actors, makeup artists, security, and management.

This policy should include:
1. Criminal Background Screening:
• Verification for all hired and volunteer staff before the season begins.
• Disqualification of individuals with serious violent, sexual, or child-related offenses.
2. Safety and Conduct Training:
• Required orientation on guest boundaries, emergency protocols, and respectful behavior.
3. Incident Reporting System:
• Standardized reporting and tracking for on-site incidents, ensuring accountability and follow-up.
4. Random On-Site Compliance Checks:
• Annual or biannual reviews by state or local authorities to confirm compliance with labor and safety standards.

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Why This Matters

Haunted attractions are meant to create thrills — not trauma. Guests trust that these environments are safe, and employees deserve to work in a place where their safety and well-being are valued.

By implementing a nationwide background check standard, we can:
• Reduce the risk of violent or predatory behavior on set.
• Improve guest confidence and attraction reputations.
• Protect businesses from liability and negative publicity.
• Create a professional, trustworthy standard across the entire industry.

This is not about restriction — it’s about responsibility. Every actor, technician, and haunt owner deserves to work in a secure, transparent, and ethical environment.

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Our Goal

We intend to deliver this petition to:
• The Haunted Attraction Association (HAA) — urging them to add background checks and safety certifications to their official Code of Ethics.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and U.S. Department of Labor — requesting consideration for haunted attractions under broader entertainment and temporary labor safety enforcement.
• State labor divisions (beginning in North Carolina) — encouraging state-level adoption and enforcement of safety and employee screening standards for haunted attractions.

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Sign the Petition

We, the undersigned, support the call for mandatory background checks and standardized safety protocols within the haunted attraction industry — ensuring safety for every guest, actor, and worker who brings these events to life.