Work Health and Safety Institute to be revived

Fiji Work Health and Safety Institute is being revived to open doors of opportunity for health and safety professionals in Fiji.

NTPC Manager Productivity and Innovation, Amrish Narayan made the announcement during the 2024 Fiji Occupational Health and Safety Conference which was hosted by Fiji National University's National Training and Productivity Centre.

Narayan says they will work closely with the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management to get their team membership and certification to kick-start the local institution and open doors of opportunity for health and safety professionals in Fiji.

The third Fiji OHS Conference, which happened after a lapse of four years, on the theme “Impact of Climate Change on OHS,” brought together 150 delegates, experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from various sectors.

Narayan commended the impactful presentations by the guest speakers at the conference.

He says the presentations by the different speakers were very impactful, and he is sure the 150 participants will have at least one action item and takeaway for themselves and their organisations.

Fire and Safety Australia Founder and CEO, Steve McLeod commended FNU for taking the lead role as part of academia to create awareness on emerging issues related to workplace health and safety.

He says they have partnered with FNU for more than 10 years in the delivery of Occupational Health and Safety training for Certificate IV and Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety.

McLeod acknowledged FNU for taking the lead role as part of academia to create awareness on the emerging issues related to workplace health and safety.

FNU Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata says the conference serves as a platform for collaboration, learning, and knowledge exchange.

He says it is an opportunity for them to harness the collective wisdom and expertise present to inspire action, drive change, and make meaningful strides towards creating safer and healthier workplaces for all.

The guest speakers at the conference, held at the Peal Resort, Pacific Harbour last week, included Ministry of Health and Medical Services Head of Wellness, Dr Devina Nand, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Principal Environment Officer, Senivasa Waqairamasi, Fire and Safety Australia Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Steve McLeod, Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association Chief Executive Officer, Fantasha Lockington, New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM) Senior Leader, Deborah Cameron, ILO Office International Labour Standards and Labour Law Specialist, Anna Olsen, and Fiji Public Service Association General Secretary, Judith Kotobalavu.

The next Fiji OHS Conference is scheduled for April 25th, 2025.