The Shadow Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Virendra Lal, has expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of amusement rides, accusing the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department of the Ministry of Employment of negligence. He highlighted the necessity of strengthening regulations governing these attractions to ensure safety and prevent injuries.
Lal referred to a concerning incident on September 1, where a malfunction in an amusement ride posed a threat to a child’s life. He emphasized that the potential for harm was alarming and noted that the OHS officers seem to overlook the fact that rides designed for children must account for their unpredictable behavior, necessitating robust safety measures.
He recalled a tragic Ferris wheel accident at the Fiji Showcase last year, which resulted in a young person’s death, underscoring the urgent need for a reevaluation of existing legislation and safety protocols for amusement rides. While investigations into these past incidents continue, Lal advocated for more proactive measures to safeguard residents, particularly children.
“The recent incident on Sunday could have been significantly worse, highlighting a concerning laxity in safety measures,” he stated. He urged relevant authorities, including the OHS team, to perform comprehensive inspections of all amusement rides to ensure compliance with top safety standards.
Lal insisted that safety regulations must be clearly defined and rigorously enforced by all ride operators. He also called for Parliament to consider revising the laws governing amusement rides to enhance safety procedures. Additionally, he stressed the importance of proper training for ride operators and the need for regular inspections and maintenance.
“The safety of our citizens is paramount, and we must prevent any further tragic accidents. I hope the Government will provide a detailed report on the steps being taken to avert such incidents in the future,” he concluded.