As the rainy season begins, it was disheartening to witness the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department allowing a Ferris wheel to operate during midweek rainfall at the Sigatoka Carnival. Such oversight is deeply concerning and poses a grave risk to public safety.
Operators and the OHS department must recognise that large rides, particularly vintage ones, vibrate significantly due to their single-cylinder engine mounts. Even light rain can soften the ground, increasing the likelihood of tilting. A mere tilt, even by a fraction, can cause the cable to disengage from the wheel, leading to uncontrolled spinning of the buckets.
In such scenarios, the brake system is rendered ineffective, endangering riders who could be thrown off.
As a retired engineer, I understand the catastrophic consequences such negligence can bring. The OHS department must take greater responsibility and ensure rigorous checks, especially for older rides. Allowing operators to function at will during adverse weather conditions shows a disregard for safety protocols.
Human life is of paramount importance. We cannot afford a repeat of any tragic incidents stemming from lax oversight. Let us collectively strive for a safe and incident-free year, ensuring that public safety is never compromised for convenience or profit.
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