The National Occupational Health and Safety Service (NOHSS) of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations has been conducting nationwide workplace audits and monitoring the operations of the workplaces during this pandemic since 7 May, 2021.
As of 15 June 2021, the OHS Inspectorates audited more than 2,000 workplaces nationwide.
“Our Enforcement and Compliance Team audited the implementation of COVID-19 workplace protocols such as the enforcement on the wearing of masks, social distancing and floor markings of 2 meters, provision of hand sanitizer and temperature gun (infrared thermometer); walk-in customer registration details, checking of careFIJI app and other required personal protective equipment (PPE) in ensuring health and safety of workers and non-workers (visitors/customers),” said the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Osea Cawaru.
“Our industry coverage includes Municipal Market; Supermarkets; Mini Mart/Grocery Shops; Service Stations, Restaurant; Business Service; Meat Shop / Butchers; Bakery; Manufacturing; Banks & other Financial Institutions; Post / Cargo Delivery; Pharmacy / Private Doctor / Medical Centre; Food & Supplies; Public Service; Communications / IT / Library / Bookshop; Electrical; Car Wash; Money Exchange; Sawmill & Logging; Spare Parts / Mechanical Engineering; Garment and Hair Salons,” added Mr. Cawaru.
The Ministry urged employers and workers to engage in good faith discussions through their Workplace Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committees or Representative as set out under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1996.
Mr. Cawaru further added that employers have a ‘duty of care’ in ensuring the health and safety of its workers. Similarly, workers are to be mindful of the health and safety risks involved during this pandemic and must comply with all health and safety measures implemented at their workplaces.
The Permanent Secretary called upon all employers to strengthen their role in the enforcement of COVID-19 protocols at their workplaces and to develop the necessary workplace OHS policies to mitigate risks.
He added that the Ministry will continue to ensure robust compliance on the ground as part of the Fijian Government’s approach in combating this second wave of the outbreak for a healthy, safe and COVID contained Fiji.