Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced a temporary ban on Ferris wheel operators, effective immediately, while a thorough investigation is conducted following a malfunction involving a 12-seater Ferris wheel at the Wairiki Sevens tournament in Taveuni. This decision was reached after discussions between the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations and the Prime Minister’s office.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Employment, patrons needed assistance from operators and bystanders to safely disembark due to issues with the Ferris wheel. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities resulting from this incident. The National Occupational Health and Safety Service (NOHSS) has since issued a prohibition notice, halting all Ferris wheel operations.
The Ministry of Employment is committed to a detailed investigation and will provide updates as the situation develops. In light of the incident, Opposition MP Virendra Lal has advocated for stronger regulations governing Ferris wheel operators, highlighting that this is not an isolated occurrence in recent years. He is pushing for stricter legislation to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for safety in recreational activities.
This proactive approach towards safety demonstrates a commitment to ensuring public welfare, and the ongoing investigation reflects the seriousness with which these matters are being treated. As authorities work to implement better safety measures, there is hope that these steps will lead to safer amusement experiences for all.
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