Toxic Workplaces Breach OHS Law, Says Nemani

Toxic workplace environments are not just harmful — they may also be a breach of occupational health and safety laws, says Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Jone Maritino Nemani.

Nemani is reminding all Fijians that workplace safety goes beyond physical conditions and includes how people treat each other on the job.

“A toxic workplace, whether caused by bullying, harassment, intimidation, or unhealthy work practices, is a real risk to health and safety,” he said.

He said under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1996, both employers and workers have legal responsibilities to maintain a safe working environment.

“Section 9 places a duty on employers to ensure a working environment that is safe and without risks to health, while Section 13 makes it clear that workers must also take reasonable care not to create or increase risks to others,” Nemani said.

He stressed that safety is shared responsibility, and toxic behaviour in the workplace can amount to a failure to meet those legal obligations.

Nemani also noted that the law recognises mental harm, including stress and other conditions caused by workplace environments.

As Fiji prepares for World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, he said the focus on psychosocial risks highlights the need for respectful and professional workplaces.

While the Ministry’s Occupational Health and Safety team continues its work through inspections, enforcement and training, Nemani said it cannot cover every workplace.

“We rely on people to speak up, report unsafe or toxic conditions, and look out for one another. In many ways, every Fijian is an OHS officer,” he said.

He encouraged workplaces to strengthen their OHS committees and promote open communication to address issues early.

A series of awareness activities will be held leading up to April 28 to promote psychosocial health and wellbeing in workplaces across the country.