The National Farmers Union (NFU) has called for a comprehensive investigation into The Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd (FSC)’s compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.
This follows an accident at the Lautoka Mill yesterday evening where a worker was injured.
NFU General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhry claims the worker was trapped for 45 minutes while the conveyor belt was cut to free him.
“Safety at FSC mills has been an ongoing issue, with accidents even resulting in deaths,” Chaudhry said.
“FSC did not call an ambulance or medical assistance when the accident took place,” he stated.
“After freeing the worker from the conveyor belt, they dumped him in the back of a twin cab and drove him to the hospital in a state of extreme discomfort,” Mr Chaudhry alleges.
“I am appalled that FSC management should be showing such disregard for the comfort of a worker injured at the workplace.”
Mr Chaudhry is urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into safety practices at FSC mills, including compliance with OHS standards.
“Employees have often expressed concern that OHS inspections are not up to standard.”
FSC has confirmed the incident and said the as a result of the accident, the mill be closed for 36 hours.
