The Ministry of Employment is undertaking a significant modernization effort aimed at enhancing occupational health and safety practices in Fiji, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within workplaces. This initiative encompasses a transition to paperless reporting methods for inspectors and a shift towards cashless systems and online services that support businesses effectively.
Minister Agni Deo Singh highlighted that this modernization will provide inspectors with tablets to conduct their duties digitally, reducing the risks associated with handling cash transactions. He emphasized that AI is now a practical reality in the Pacific, fundamentally transforming workplace operations by streamlining routine tasks. Singh’s vision is to create a safer and more advanced workforce in Fiji, with AI playing a critical role in reshaping both the nature of work and the future of occupational health and safety inspections.
Recently, close to a hundred employer representatives, workers, and organizations participated in a workshop commemorating the 2025 World Day for Safety and Health at Work in Labasa, themed “Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization at Work.” This gathering underscored the collaborative efforts and commitment to enhancing workplace safety across various sectors.
The pressing need for these updates has arisen due to the challenges businesses encounter in adapting to digitalized systems, prompting calls for better incentives and frameworks to ease this transition. Singh reassured stakeholders that continuous efforts will be made to enhance the systems in place, ensuring they meet the evolving demands of the work environment.
These developments transmit a hopeful message about the future of workplace safety in Fiji, showcasing the government’s commitment to worker welfare and the initiative’s potential to create a more efficient, transparent, and safe working atmosphere for everyone involved. The active participation of stakeholders in discussions around these topics indicates a collective determination to foster a culture of accountability and collaboration toward improved health and safety outcomes.
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