An investigation is currently underway regarding an incident at the Fijian Holdings Ltd tower that resulted in a worker sustaining 26 percent burns. The inquiry is being conducted by Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations.
The unfortunate event led to the hospitalization of two workers on November 21, one of whom suffered severe “arc flash burns” while the other was released after receiving medical clearance. The incident also forced the postponement of the official opening of the tower.
According to information from an anonymous worker, the incident occurred when Pioneer Supplies Ltd was performing pressure testing on pipes, which led to a rupture and resulted in flooding across several levels of the building. This flooding caused a power outage that lasted from Thursday until Sunday.
On Monday, staff from Lighting and Electrical Protection Services Pte Ltd were checking the building’s safety. According to witnesses, the situation escalated unexpectedly as power was restored, leading to the injury on Level 8. One worker reportedly carried the injured colleague out of the area once it became clear that an accident had occurred. Observations of the injured worker indicated significant burns on his body.
A contractor, also wishing to remain anonymous, reported that approximately 10,000 liters of water flooded seven levels of the building, resulting in structural damage. Importantly, it was clarified that the worker suffered “arc flash burns” and was not electrocuted, contrary to some media reports.
In response to inquiries regarding the power restoration approval and subsequent site visit, EFL’s CEO, Hasmukh Patel, confirmed that an investigation is in progress. Minister Agni Deo Singh also indicated that his ministry is conducting its own investigation and will prepare an incident report.
This investigation highlights the crucial need for stringent safety protocols in the workplace to prevent such hazardous occurrences in the future. The commitment from both EFL and the Ministry signifies a proactive approach toward ensuring safety and accountability in industrial settings. Hopefully, the outcome of this investigation will lead to enhanced safety measures that will protect workers and evaluate operational practices effectively.
In summary, the investigation into the burns incident at Fijian Holdings Ltd is a significant step toward understanding what went wrong and preventing similar accidents in the future, underscoring the importance of workplace safety.
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