Vatukoula gold mine

Eddie Sandys, Suva

I read with concern the accident at Vatukoula and how the Ministry of Mineral Resources has intervened and shut it down.

I thank the Ministry of Mineral Resources for their initiative.

My question is directed at the Ministry of Labour’s OHS department. After the death of the worker not too long ago, was there a survey conducted by the Ministry of Labour, to (A) determine the cause of death together with a report to determine the percentage of negligence by the employer. I believe the employee who died was on his own when the incident happened. Is this true? if so is this the practice down below to move around individually? (I stand to be corrected on his working alone)

And (C) was a survey done by the OHS Committee and Ministry of Labour to confirm the safety of its workers before they were allowed to start work again?

(C) Was the accident/death reported to the Ministry and what has been the outcome?

A second accident has occurred and is worrying. Is there an OHS Committee at the Vatukoula gold mine?

Are they aware of their duties and do they know any member of the committee has the legal right after receiving complaints and inspecting the complaint to stop the work if it is deemed unsafe for the workers?

If members of the OHS Committee are reading this and not aware of their responsibilities as a rep, then you need to invite the OHS team from the Labour Department down as soon as possible to address these issues.

This also applies to all OHS reps in various workplaces. Do not fear of being victimised because the employer will not, but if they do report the matter to the Ministry of Labour.

Finally, does the family of the deceased know that under the Act that they can take the company to court and the minimum payout is nothing less then $100,000? Could be more with the loss of life.

Winning formula

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

Whilst many were quick to praise the Vodafone Fijian 7s team performance in Hong Kong and the presence of ‘Ice’ Katonibau who brought much maturity to the side, have we forgotten a possible winning formula?

Katonibau was backed by the presence of his daughters and Luisa, perhaps a source of motivation for his leadership. For future Hong Kong Sevens tournaments coinciding with Palm Sunday, should we allow for players in the national side to take some family member, including children?

Could Fiji Airways give some discount tickets for some family members of national reps participating the Hong Kong Sevens?

If it works, why not try this out? After all, the nation rejoices when our men are jubilant in Hong Kong.

Feedback: losirene.lacanivalu@fijisun.com.fj