The SUGAR Minister Charan Jeath Singh addressed the recent incident at the Lautoka Mill of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), where a worker was seriously injured after becoming caught in a conveyor belt. The accident occurred while the employee was carrying out assessments on Wednesday, leading to an emergency response where the conveyor belt had to be cut to rescue him.
Minister Singh confirmed that the situation was assessed by his permanent secretary, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, who visited the mill to review the circumstances surrounding the incident. Initial findings indicate that the accident was accidental, as the worker’s leg was trapped during his work duties. Emergency responders acted quickly, ensuring the individual received prompt medical care.
As a result of the incident, operations at the mill were halted for 36 hours for both investigation and repairs to the conveyor system. Singh emphasized the commitment to enhancing safety measures to prevent future accidents, stating, “We will step up our precautionary measures. We don’t want this happening again.”
This incident reflects ongoing challenges regarding safety within the sugar industry, as noted in previous reports. It follows a history of operational issues at the Lautoka Mill, including mechanical failures that have raised alarms over workplace safety. However, there remains cautious optimism as FSC has been investing significantly in improving its maintenance and safety protocols.
The hope is that this incident acts as a catalyst for further safety enhancements, which could not only benefit the workers but also provide greater stability for the local sugar production sector that is vital to the community’s economy.
The Ministry of Employment and Workplace Relations is also conducting its inquiry into the matter, underscoring the collaborative effort to create a safer working environment in Fiji’s industry.
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