Participants at the 2025 Fiji OHS Conference
The Fiji National University (FNU), through its National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), officially opened the 4th Fiji Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Conference today at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, with the spotlight firmly on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation in workplace health and safety.
This year’s theme, “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work,” sets the tone for timely dialogue on how technological advancements can enhance not just safety, but also innovation and resilience in workplaces across Fiji and the Pacific.
In his welcome remarks, FNU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata, emphasised the strategic importance of OHS in national development.
“Workplace safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a national imperative. Every preventable injury or fatality affects our productivity, our economy, and most importantly, our communities,” he said.
He further stressed the significance of embracing AI and smart technologies to bridge gaps in OHS training and compliance, particularly for remote and underserved sectors.
FNU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata (Left), presents a token of appreciation to Nigel Davidson
Chief Guest, Nigel Davidson, Director and Co-founder of ACHIEVR, called for ethical and inclusive approaches to deploying safety technology.
“This digital revolution is not just about algorithms; it’s about amplifying the human. Every worker must be seen, heard, protected, and prepared,” Davidson stated.
He highlighted how AI-powered tools, from predictive analytics to immersive safety simulations, are reshaping global safety standards and offering new opportunities for Pacific nations to lead with innovation.
Davidson also issued a call to action, urging government agencies, employers, unions, and tech partners to:
He concluded by reminding delegates that the AI wave has already arrived, and the responsibility now lies in riding it wisely and equitably.
The conference has drawn stakeholders from across the region, including presenters such as Mohammed Altaab Khan, Deidre Walsh, Greg Dearsly, Deborah Cameron, and Pauliasi Nauku.
Delegates are engaging in sessions covering emotional intelligence, regulatory trends, digital safety tools, and real-world applications of AI in high-risk industries.
FNU continues to take a leadership role in shaping a safer, smarter Pacific workforce. Through NTPC, the university is embedding AI, data analytics, and immersive digital platforms into OHS training modules, preparing the next generation of safety professionals to meet 21st-century challenges.
The one-day conference is expected to produce a series of collaborative outcomes aimed at transforming workplace safety frameworks across the nation.