Man dies from alleged workplace injuries

The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations is calling on employers and employees to follow occupational health and safety procedures in the workplace to avoid injuries and fatalities.

Agni Deo Singh’s advice, given outside Parliament in Suva yesterday, follows the death of an employee of Pinto Industries in Labasa after he reportedly suffered serious injuries at work last Saturday.

“My advice to the employers is that all necessary precautions must be taken, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be provided to workers in any hazardous situations,” Mr Singh said.

“To the workers, ensure that you use the PPE provided to you before entering the workplace.”

Meanwhile, the victim’s family in Vunivau couldn’t celebrate Holi after Ravinesh Prasad, 47, died at Labasa Hospital yesterday.

It is alleged that Mr Prasad sustained injuries while working on a machine.

His wife, Shareen Devi, 46, is still trying to come to terms with the tragic loss. They have three sons, aged 25, 19, and 14.

“He started working there in January as a machine operator, and before this, he worked as a casual carpenter,” Ms Devi said.

“Just before 10am, I received a phone call saying that he had suffered some injuries and that I must go and visit him. My children couldn’t believe seeing their father in that painful state for three continuous days at the hospital.

“He was a humble, friendly person, always the first to help anyone who needed help because he wanted to do good for others.”

While Ms Devi revealed she is unaware of what happened at her husband’s workplace, she places her trust in God to take care of them.

Company director Vishal Narayan could not comment, as this incident is under investigation by the Fiji Police Force and the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wame Bautolu said they would investigate.

The Minister said: “We sympathise with the family and we will ensure that the Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) takes necessary steps to compensate the family.”