Virendra Lal, the Shadow Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, has raised concerns about the safety of amusement rides, critiquing the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department of the Ministry of Employment for not addressing the issue effectively. Lal emphasized the need for stronger legislation to ensure the safety of these rides to protect the public, especially children.
He referenced a recent incident on September 1st, where a child’s life was endangered due to a malfunction of an amusement ride. Lal expressed his worry that the situation could have escalated significantly and criticized OHS officers for not recognizing the unpredictable nature of children and the necessity for appropriate safety measures.
Additionally, he recalled a tragic accident involving a Ferris wheel last year during the Fiji Showcase, which resulted in the death of a child. This incident further highlights the urgent need to reassess current legislation and safety protocols governing amusement rides.
Lal urged ongoing investigations to lead to actionable changes that would enhance the safety of citizens, particularly minors. He noted that the recent incident could have had dire consequences, suggesting a lack of adequate safety practices.
He called on relevant authorities, including the OHS team, to perform comprehensive inspections of all amusement rides to ensure compliance with stringent safety standards. Lal also underscored the importance of establishing clear safety regulations that must be enforced rigorously by all operators.
He advocated for training all amusement ride operators and ensuring that rides are routinely inspected and well-maintained. “The safety of our people is paramount. We cannot afford to have more tragic accidents,” he stated. Lal hopes for a detailed report from the Government outlining steps being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.