Ronal Rajinesh Naidu, a welder at the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Rarawai mill, is advocating for justice following a workplace accident that led to the partial severing of three of his fingers. The incident occurred on January 24 while he was testing an old grass cutting machine after completing repairs. Mr. Naidu explained that he had to manage both cranking the machine and adjusting the belt manually, which resulted in his hand getting caught in the mechanism.
After the accident, he applied pressure to his hand to halt the bleeding and requested assistance to be taken to Ba Aspen Hospital, where medical staff initially provided a pressure bandage but did not address the severed fingers until the following Monday.
Mr. Naidu has filed a complaint with the Ministry of Labour and indicated plans to pursue legal action, emphasizing his need for justice as the primary provider for his family. “I just want justice because I’m the breadwinner and I have one son,” he stated.
FSC’s CEO, Bhan Pratap Singh, confirmed that the company is in contact with Mr. Naidu, stating that staff visited him during his hospitalization and are assisting with transportation for his medical appointments. A formal investigation into the incident is currently underway to assess the conditions leading to this unfortunate accident.
In statements emphasizing FSC’s commitment to workplace safety, Mr. Singh mentioned that comprehensive safety protocols are in place to prevent such incidents. The company adheres strictly to the Health & Safety at Work Act 1996, including the provision of personal protective equipment, staff training, and immediate reporting of all workplace incidents.
Mr. Singh’s assurances reflect a collective hope that this incident will lead to further improvements in safety measures at FSC. The ongoing investigation stresses the importance of ensuring a safe work environment, not just for the protection of current employees but also to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Overall, such incidents underscore the need for continuous monitoring and enhancement of workplace safety practices, promoting a culture of vigilance and care that prioritizes the well-being of all workers.
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