The company that runs the midway at the Calgary Stampede says its rides are safe, one year after a frightening mishap.

Ten people, mostly teenagers, were injured during the 2010 Stampede when one of the pods on a ride known as the Scorpion became detached about 10 metres in the air and crashed to the ground.

The Scorpion, the ride involved in last year's malfunction, will not be at the Calgary Stampede this year. CBCNorth American Midway said its machines are undergoing more scrutiny at this year's event to ensure patrons are safe.

"North American Midway says all of its rides will undergo more visual inspections but there will also be X-ray inspections done to ensure welds are holding," said company spokesman Tony Diaz.

A report on the investigation of last year's incident, released by the province in March, found that the problem with the ride could have been prevented if the owner had followed the manufacturer's recommended inspection criteria.

Metal fatigue cracks that had developed prior to the ride's installation in Calgary were improperly welded-over, officials concluded.

More inspections

The incident spurred the province to tighten safety rules for amusement park rides. Owners are now required to keep inspection reports on site from all jurisdictions a ride has operated in during the past five years.

Companies also have to complete an Alberta safety codes checklist for each ride. If a problem is detected, the manufacturer of the ride has to evaluate the information and report its findings to both the owner and a safety codes officer.

North American Midway has now hired an independent consultant to do third-party inspections and ensure proper records are kept for all amusement rides, officials said Tuesday.

The ride involved in last year's incident, the Scorpion, is not part of this year's lineup at the Stampede, Diaz said.

While last year's incident was the first problem with a ride at the Stampede since 2005, Diaz said that's one too many and that the new measures should ensure there are no problems.

Stampede officials said they are pleased with the measures being taken and are confident everything that can be done is being done to keep people safe.