The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations in Fiji is actively investigating the tragic drowning of a 50-year-old Japanese tourist at the Fiji Hideaway Resort in Sigatoka earlier this month. The incident occurred on November 4 at approximately 8:00 am when the tourist was swimming alone.
Preliminary findings indicate the necessity of evaluating whether the resort has adequate safety systems and procedures regarding guest activities, including supervision and protocols for rescue and evacuation. In this effort, the National Occupational Health and Safety Services is working in conjunction with authorities to collect medical and autopsy reports from the Fiji Police Force to facilitate a thorough inquiry.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh emphasized the importance of the resort management identifying potential hazards and implementing effective control strategies to avert future incidents. He stated, “The hotel management must adequately identify all potential hazards and implement appropriate control strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.” A comprehensive report will be prepared once the investigation is finalized.
Additionally, the National Occupational Health and Safety Services performs regular inspections at all workplaces, including resorts, to ensure adherence to safety regulations and can issue enforcement notices for any infringements.
As the investigation proceeds, it is crucial that the findings lead to improved safety standards in resorts across Fiji, ultimately prioritizing the welfare of all guests and preventing such heartbreaking incidents from occurring in the future.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and stringent safety protocols in recreational settings, encouraging resorts and similar establishments to bolster their measures for the well-being of their patrons.
Summary: The Fiji Ministry of Employment is investigating the drowning of a Japanese tourist at the Fiji Hideaway Resort, focusing on the resort’s safety measures. The inquiry aims to ensure better prevention strategies in the future and to enforce adherence to safety regulations across all resorts in the region.
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