By ROSI DOVIVERATA
Workers in Fiji are often subjected to poor working conditions, a Government Minister has said..
These, he said, include the traditional hazards of industrial plants which may lead to occupational diseases.
Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Jone Usamate said employers should take a proactive step in reducing occupational health and safety threats.
This is to ensure that all work places are safe.
He made the comments while opening the World Day for Safety and Health at Work in Suva.
Challenge for small businesses
While small businesses are often challenged because of the need to remain viable, Mr Usamate said: “It should not be at the expense of the lives of the workers.
He said that some businesses look at OHS (occupation health and safety) as an expensive exercise.
Yet, it is about training both employers and employees to be responsible.
Not effective
According to some OHS observers, the effectiveness of OHS is not as expected because of the failure of the OHS Department to follow through and to investigate how OHS has been applied in the workplace.
Mr Usamate argues otherwise. Constrained by resources, the ministry works with management representatives in companies and OHS committees to assist with their work.
“My ministry is the smallest with such a big mandate and we can’t do it on our own.
We are progressing and we can do better,” he said.
Education and prevention
Mr Usamate added that inspection could be less significant in the way forward.
“As long as the role of OHS Inspectors changes to one of education and prevention, as opposed to inspection and prosecution.
“This is already being adopted in a number of countries, but should also be considered in others nations who are lagging behind.
“Another area that needs to be further strengthened is the collation of data and information and the creation of knowledge on the incidents of occupational diseases.
Collation of data
“I am a believer of the saying, that if we cannot measure it, then we cannot manage it.
“In order to manage occupational diseases we must get a firmer grip on what the actual status is,” he added.