Shadow Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Virendra Lal, has expressed concerns about the safety of amusement rides, accusing the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department within the Ministry of Employment of negligence.
Lal emphasized the need for stronger legislation governing amusement rides to ensure public safety and prevent injuries or fatalities. He referenced a recent incident on September 1st where a malfunctioning ride put a child’s life at risk, stating that such occurrences could have dire consequences.
“My deep concern is that this recent event might have been worse, highlighting that OHS officers are not recognizing that rides designed for children require specific safety measures due to their unpredictable nature,” Lal said.
Furthermore, he recalled the tragic Ferris wheel accident at the Fiji Showcase last year that claimed a young life, underscoring the urgent need for a reevaluation of the legislation and safety standards for such attractions.
Lal pointed out that while investigations into these incidents are underway, more proactive measures must be implemented to safeguard citizens, particularly children. “We are fortunate that the incident on Sunday was not more severe; however, this reflects a lack of stringent safety measures,” he remarked.
He urged the relevant authorities, including the OHS team, to perform thorough inspections of all amusement rides and ensure compliance with the highest safety standards.
“Safety regulations must be clearly defined, enforced, and strictly adhered to by all operators. It is time for Parliament to consider reviewing the laws governing amusement rides to guarantee proper safety protocols,” Lal stated.
Additionally, he stressed the necessity of fully training all ride operators and ensuring that rides undergo regular inspections and maintenance.
“The safety of our citizens is crucial. We cannot afford further tragic incidents. I call on the Government to provide a comprehensive report detailing the actions being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he concluded.