The Ministry of Employment in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has implemented a five-year Occupational Health Service Strategic Plan.

This was launched at the commemoration of the World OHS Day at the Sugar Cane Growers Council Building in Lautoka on Thursday.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Parveen Kumar Bala said the Fijian Government would continue to collaborate with their tripartite partners to continue their persistence and commitment towards a safer and healthier workplace and workforce.

The tripartite partners include Employers and Workers’ representatives, international partners, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and World Health Organisation (WHO).

Mr Bala said that occupational health was an area that was equally important to safety, and they were working to ensure that appropriate attention was given to assist in the reduction of workplace accidents, diseases, and deaths.

“The Ministry of Employment will formulate a Code of Practice towards combating COVID-19 or similar workplace biological hazards and diseases. This would provide practical and technical guidance on preventative measures to combat these types of risks in the workplace.

“My Ministry in collaboration with the tripartite – National OHS Advisory Board has already endorsed the process to ratify ILO Convention 161 on Occupational Health Services, ILO Convention 187 on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, and ILO Convention 162 on the elimination of asbestos,” he added.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated annually on April 28 to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and create mitigation against illnesses and diseases globally in the workplace