The Permanent Secretary for Sugar, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, visited the Lautoka Mill following a workplace incident that left a mill worker injured while clearing bagasse from a conveyor belt. The Ministry of Sugar indicated that the visit was initiated by the Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, to assess the situation and reinforce the importance of safety measures at the mill.
Dr. Kumar praised the swift response from the mill’s team, highlighting their prompt actions that ensured the injured worker received immediate medical attention. As a precaution, milling operations at the Lautoka Mill have been temporarily suspended, with plans to resume crushing operations by tomorrow. This pause allows for necessary repairs to be conducted to ensure the ongoing safety of all workers.
Furthermore, he acknowledged the effort by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) team in managing the transportation of over 100 lorry drivers, ensuring that they could return safely to their respective areas during this unplanned operational halt.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to workplace safety and expressed its intention to work closely with the FSC to support workers and farmers in the sugar industry. This incident follows a recent series of operational challenges faced by the Lautoka Mill, including previous mechanical failures that have prompted discussions about enhancing safety protocols.
Notably, this situation reflects a growing emphasis on safety within the industry, aligning with previous reports where FSC management has been proactive in addressing mechanical issues, investing over $18 million in repairs and maintenance to improve operations. This commitment creates a hopeful outlook for the future, suggesting that through ongoing improvements in safety and operational protocols, there can be a more stable and productive environment for Fiji’s sugar sector moving forward.
Overall, while challenges persist, the swift actions taken in response to the incident demonstrate a proactive approach aimed at protecting both the workforce and the production capabilities of the Lautoka Mill, which is crucial to the local economy.
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