PROMINENT EMPLOYER FINED $5K FOR OHS BREACHES
MINISTRY OF EMPLOYMENT WARNS EMPLOYERS ON OHS NON-COMPLIANCE Permanent Secretary for Employment Maritino Nemani says the breaches include unsuitable transport for workers, an unhygienic work environment; and poor and lack of facilities provided.
Aprominent employer has been penalised with a $5000 fine by the Ministry of Employment Productivity and Industrial Relations for occupational health and safety (OHS) breaches.
Permanent Secretary for Employment Maritino Nemani, as the Chief Health and Safety Inspector, highlighted that these breaches included unsuitable transport for workers, an unhygienic work environment; and poor and lack of facilities provided. This, Mr Nemani said, breached the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1996 and the Health and Safety at Work (General Workplace Conditions) Regulations 2003.
The National Occupational Health and Safety Service (NOHSS) of the Ministry with OHS Inspectorates conducted OHS investigations into the employer after a report was lodged to the ministry.
“The breaches included absence or lack of hand washing facilities, first aid kit, separate changing rooms, hot water facilities, clean drinking water, congested dining area and proper personal protective equipment such as respiratory protection and face mask,” Mr Nemani said.
“The fine issued underscored the importance of maintaining a safe working environment for workers and the severe consequences of failing to do so,” he said.
Warning to employers
The ministry warns employers against poor working conditions and neglecting the rights of theeir workers.
“In light of these penalties, we wish to forewarn all employers that the ministry will take action against employers who are found to be in violation of occupational health and safety law and will be dealt with to safeguard the well-being of workers and prevent avoidable workplace incidents.
“It is imperative that employers take proactive measures to ensure compliance with safety standards, implement necessary safety protocols, and regularly assess and address potential hazards in the workplace.”
Mr Nemani highlighted the fines imposed due to non-compliance were not only punitive measures but also a call to action for all workplaces to invest in the safety and welfare of its workers.
Further inspections by the OHS Inspectorate to this particular workplace noted that all the issues highlighted have been rectified.
“By prioritising occupational health and safety, employers can create a culture of safety, reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, and demonstrate their commitment to upholding their legal obligations and ethical responsibilities. In addition to this, the ministry is enhancing its inspection team to carry out robust and proactive inspections to ensure safe and healthy workplaces in Fiji.
“The ministry is committed to working in collaboration with employers to promote a proactive and preventative workplace safety culture to prevent workplace injuries and accidents under the HASAWA 1996 and its subsidiary legislation,” Mr Nemani added.