Virendra Lal, the Shadow Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, has raised concerns about the safety of amusement rides and criticized the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department of the Ministry of Employment for its lack of vigilance.
Lal emphasized the need for stronger legislation to ensure that amusement rides are safe, preventing injuries or fatalities. He referred to a recent incident on September 1st, where a child was endangered due to a malfunctioning ride.
He expressed grave concern that the situation could have been more disastrous, highlighting that the OHS officers need to recognize that rides designed for children require strict safety measures due to their unpredictable nature. He also recalled last year’s tragic Ferris wheel accident during the Fiji Showcase, which resulted in the death of a young individual, stressing the urgent need for a review of safety protocols governing amusement rides.
Lal stated that while investigations into these situations are currently underway, it is crucial to enhance protections for citizens, especially for children. He pointed out that Sunday’s incident could have had dire consequences, indicating a “laxity” in existing safety measures.
He urged the relevant authorities, including the OHS team, to conduct comprehensive inspections of all amusement rides to ensure compliance with stringent safety standards. Lal called for clearly defined safety rules to be enforced and adhered to by all operators, suggesting that Parliament should review the laws governing amusement rides to guarantee proper safety procedures are established.
Moreover, he stressed that all operators must be adequately trained and that rides should undergo regular inspections and maintenance. He concluded by asserting that the safety of the public is of utmost importance and expressed hope that the government would provide a detailed report on measures to prevent future incidents.