Consumer Safety Should Remain Paramount: A Call to Prioritize Consumer Protection

July 6, 2023

In light of a recent incident resulting in the unfortunate loss of a human life, the Consumer Council of Fiji is calling on all industries to focus on prioritizing and upholding the highest standards of consumer safety.

The incident has highlighted the need for rigorous adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations. Businesses and individuals alike must recognize the need to use safe equipment that is fit for purpose, and designed with consumer well-being in mind.

“Consumer safety takes precedence over everything. It is imperative for both the organizers and operators of such events to take every precautionary measure to protect the well-being of their patrons. Safety protocols and guidelines must also be strictly followed to prevent any further accidents or tragedies,” says CCoF CEO Seema Shandil.

While the Council acknowledges the investigations carried out by the National Occupational Health and Safety Service to ascertain the cause of the horrific incident, we cannot shy away from the fact that an innocent life was lost due to a laxity of a few and non-adherence to consumer safety. It is essential that the root causes be identified and addressed promptly to ensure the highest standards of consumer safety are maintained across the industry.

“We cannot stress enough that the right to safety is not just a fundamental consumer right; it is a cornerstone of trust, ensuring that individuals have the freedom to make informed choices without compromising their well-being,” Ms. Shandil further stated.

Consumers who notice non-adherence to safety regulations which could have the potential to cause grievous harm are encouraged to call the Council on the toll-free number 155 or lodge a complaint using the Consumer Council of Fiji mobile app