Asbestos was found at the newly constructed wing of the Government Building in Suva, leading to immediate action from the National Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Services under the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations. The detection came after a notice from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs earlier this month.
Atish Kumar, the Acting Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, confirmed that the asbestos has been isolated and stated that the detected levels are not an immediate threat to the personnel working at the site or in nearby areas. The asbestos samples have been sent to Australia for comprehensive analysis, resulting in a confirmation of its presence.
Mason Smith, the Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veteran Affairs, assured that all necessary care has been taken to minimize health risks associated with asbestos. The government is actively collaborating with various ministries, including the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Policing, and others, to ensure safety and minimize disruptions to government functions.
Smith emphasized, “The wellbeing and security of our workers and citizens are paramount,” reflecting the government’s dedication to maintaining a safe work environment.
This incident parallels previous discussions on reforming the OHS framework to enhance workplace safety protocols. Past reports have shown a significant commitment from the government to improve safety standards, particularly in light of other occupational hazards faced by civil servants. This proactive stance not only seeks to handle immediate threats like the asbestos discovery but also looks to foster safer working environments moving forward.
As this situation unfolds, there remains hope that the actions taken will lead to improved safety practices across government facilities, ultimately benefiting the health of all employees and contributing to a culture of safety and awareness.
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