The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - Fewer full-time inspectors are examining the rides at the Ohio State Fair and small traveling county and city fairs. State Agriculture Department officials said Friday that safety won't suffer.

One inspector quit and two are devoted to inspecting fair games and administrative duties while the department defends them against involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of an 8-year-old boy electrocuted last year at the Lake County Fair, Agriculture spokeswoman Melanie Wilt said. Reassigning those duties frees time for the remaining five to devote only to rides, she said.

Ohio, California and Florida are the only states with full-time amusement ride and game inspectors. Every Tilt-A-Whirl, Ferris wheel and fun house is inspected for loose bolts, openings where tiny fingers can get caught and worn shocks that could give passengers a nasty jolt. Games are scrutinized for fairness.

"The rides are as safe as they can be," said James Truex, safety division chief. "There's mechanical parts. "They're going to break down once in a while. There aren't any guarantees."

Inspections have begun at the Ohio State Fair, which opens Wednesday.