The 2024 Fiji Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Conference was held at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour last week.

The 2024 Fiji Occupational Health and Safety Conference, hosted by Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), served as a national dialogue on the critical issue of climate change and its impact on workplace health and safety.

The conference culminated in a significant announcement – the revival of the Fiji Work Health and Safety Institute.

While delivering his closing remarks, NTPC Manager Productivity and Innovation, Amrish Narayan said the revival of the Fiji Work Health and Safety Institute will open doors of opportunity for health and safety professionals in Fiji.

Fiji National University’s National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) Manager Productivity and Innovation, Amrish Narayan.

“NTPC will work closely with the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM) to get our team membership and certification to kick-start our local institution and open doors of opportunity for our health and safety professionals in Fiji,” he said.

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.

“The presentations by the different speakers were very impactful, and I am sure the 150 participants will have at least one action item and takeaway for themselves and their organisations,” Narayan said.

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

“We have partnered with Fiji National University 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 said.

“I sincerely thank Fiji National University 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 highlighted the importance of the conference in fostering a culture of safety.

“This conference serves as a platform for collaboration, learning, and knowledge exchange,” Dr Tagicakiverata said.

“It is an opportunity for us to harness the collective wisdom and expertise present in this room 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 25, 2025.