Virendra Lal, the Shadow Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, has raised concerns over the safety of amusement rides, claiming that the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department of the Ministry of Employment is failing to adequately address the issue.
Lal emphasized the need to enhance the legislation governing amusement rides to ensure the safety of users and prevent potential injuries or fatalities. He referenced an incident on September 1st where a child’s life was jeopardized due to a malfunctioning amusement ride, expressing deep concern about the potential risks involved.
“This event is a clear sign that OHS officers are not fully recognizing that rides intended for children require special safety considerations due to the unpredictable nature of children,” Lal stated. He also recalled last year’s tragic Ferris wheel accident at the Fiji Showcase that led to the loss of a young life, underlining the necessity for an urgent review of safety protocols and legislation for amusement rides.
While ongoing investigations are being conducted into these incidents, Lal stressed the importance of implementing more robust protective measures for citizens, especially children. He remarked, “We are fortunate that the incident on Sunday was not worse, but it highlights the complacency surrounding existing safety measures.”
Lal called upon relevant authorities, including the OHS team, to perform comprehensive inspections of all amusement rides and ensure compliance with the highest safety standards. He insisted that safety regulations must be clearly defined, enforced, and strictly followed by all operators.
“There should be a review of the laws governing amusement rides in Parliament to establish proper safety protocols,” he added. He also advocated for the requirement that all amusement ride operators receive thorough training and that rides undergo regular safety inspections and maintenance.
“The safety of our community is crucial. We cannot withstand any further tragic incidents. I urge the Government to provide a detailed report on the actions being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Lal concluded.