OHS Team Quietly Protecting Workers Across Fiji, Says PS Nemani

Fiji’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) team continues to work behind the scenes to keep workers safe across the country, says Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Jone Maritino Nemani.

Mr Nemani said while much of the work often goes unnoticed, OHS officers play a critical role in ensuring that workplaces, worksites and public environments meet safety standards.

“Many people don’t realise just how much work goes on behind the scenes to keep them safe. Our teams are constantly inspecting sites, setting standards, training workers and holding employers accountable to ensure risks are reduced before harm occurs,” he said.

He added that strengthening OHS committees within workplaces has been an important step in building a stronger culture of safety across Fiji.

As the country prepares to mark World Occupational Health and Safety Day on April 28, Mr Nemani said the occasion serves as an important reminder of the need to maintain safe and healthy working environments.

However, he stressed that responsibility for safety does not rest with the Ministry alone.

“A large part of the responsibility rests with employers and workers themselves. While our OHS team plays a critical role, safety must be taken seriously at every level of the workplace,” he said.

Mr Nemani encouraged workers to follow proper reporting processes when raising safety concerns.

“Issues should first be reported to immediate supervisors, then escalated through workplace OHS committees. Where these mechanisms fail, matters can then be brought to the Ministry for further action,” he said.

He also called on workplaces to ensure that their OHS committees are active and effective.

“These committees must not exist on paper alone. They must be engaged and committed to maintaining safe working conditions,” Mr Nemani said.

He emphasised that safety is a shared responsibility.

“Ultimately, safety is everyone’s concern. Every Fijian has a role to play, and in many ways, we are all OHS officers,” he said.

Mr Nemani also encouraged the public to take part in upcoming World OHS Day events.

Events will be held at the Labasa Civic Centre on April 17, Xavier College Auditorium in Ba on April 22, and the Suva Civic Centre on April 28.