The Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) and the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) have launched a significant initiative to enhance safety standards in Fiji’s construction industry.
AIFFP highlighted that the core of this initiative is the introduction of the Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry course, known as CPCWHS1001. This course provides Fijians with Australian-accredited safety credentials.
The AIFFP stated that the course ensures compliance with the stringent safety protocols of the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) while also improving workers’ abilities to identify hazards and implement effective safety measures.
Following a successful pilot and feedback in 2023, the course was refined and delivered to 65 FRA inspectors and road renewal contractors earlier this year.
Upon completing the training, workers on construction sites will possess essential safety training, which ensures they are well-prepared to identify hazards and implement effective safety protocols.
AIFFP prioritises local employment and capacity across its projects. The road renewal contracts are all locally-registered contractors, with most workers being local Fijians. This certification, recognized internationally, equips officers with advanced skills in competency-based training and assessment, aligning them with global best practices.
These trained officers are now better prepared to lead safety initiatives within the FRA, ensuring continuous improvement in safety standards and organizational capabilities.
Gareth McGrath, APTC country director for Fiji and Tuvalu, remarked on the transformative impact of these initiatives on Fiji’s transportation sector. He stated that delivering the course is a first for Fiji, and APTC is proud to support this initiative. The training empowers participants with crucial skills, setting a new benchmark for safety and enhancing awareness and accountability among workers and managers within the civil works sector.
Now skilled with new tools and knowledge, these officers are ready to address local challenges and lead safety training for FRA staff, significantly enhancing organizational capabilities.