The Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Ministry’s National Occupational Health and Safety Services is conducting an investigation into the drowning of a 50-year-old Japanese tourist at the Fiji Hideaway Resort in Sigatoka earlier this month. The tragic event took place around 8:00 AM on November 4, while the tourist was swimming alone.
Preliminary investigations indicate the need to evaluate whether the resort had appropriate safety measures in place for guest activities, particularly regarding supervision, rescue, and evacuation procedures. The National Occupational Health and Safety Services is working alongside authorities to gather medical and autopsy reports from the Fiji Police Force, which will aid in the investigation.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh emphasized the importance of the resort management identifying potential hazards and implementing effective control strategies to avert similar incidents in the future. He assured that a comprehensive report would be released upon the completion of the investigation.
In addition to investigating this incident, the National Occupational Health and Safety Services regularly conducts inspections of various workplaces, including resorts. They ensure compliance with safety regulations and issue enforcement notices for any identified violations.
This incident underscores the critical importance of safety measures in tourist facilities. The proactive approach taken by the authorities in investigating this matter may lead to necessary improvements that can help prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of all visitors in Fiji.
In summary, the ongoing investigation into the drowning highlights the need for robust safety protocols in tourism-related activities, shedding light on the responsibility resorts have for their guests’ well-being. The collaboration between the national services and local authorities signifies a commitment to enhancing safety standards in Fiji’s tourism industry.
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