A suspension has been placed on all ferris wheel operations until further notice to prioritize public safety. This decision was announced by Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace, Agni Deo Singh, following extensive consultations with senior officials within the ministry.
The announcement comes in the wake of a concerning incident during the Wairiki Sevens event in Taveuni, where a ferris wheel experienced a mechanical malfunction while patrons were onboard. A video that circulated on social media depicted smoke rising from the engine, prompting onlookers to intervene and manually stop the ride to allow riders to exit safely.
Mr. Singh confirmed that the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) unit conducted an inspection of the ferris wheel. He also stated that a formal investigation has been initiated into the incident, with the OHS team dispatched to gather relevant information. A preliminary report is expected to shed light on the cause of the engine failure.
It has been suggested that many amusement ride operators may be reliant on outdated and inadequately maintained equipment, which could contribute to such hazardous occurrences.
Despite the unfortunate events, the swift action taken by authorities to suspend ferris wheel rides and investigate the matter reflects a strong commitment to ensuring the safety of the public. This proactive approach can foster an environment where safety standards are rigorously enforced, ultimately enhancing the experience for future visitors to amusement attractions.
Summary: A ban on all ferris wheel rides has been enacted following a mechanical failure incident in Taveuni. Minister Agni Deo Singh emphasized the importance of safety and announced an investigation to determine the cause, highlighting concerns over equipment maintenance in the amusement industry.
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