There is an increasing necessity to reassess and possibly modify current health and safety regulations to better meet the demands of businesses and support job creation, according to Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations.
Mr. Singh made this statement in Parliament while discussing the rationale for updating the Health and Safety at Work (General Workplace Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2024. He explained that the amendment introduces a new provision in part 26 regulation 66, which includes new self-regulations outlining a risk-based inspection and audit framework along with a proposed schedule.
He noted that the ministry’s national occupational health and safety service currently lacks a comprehensive list of businesses and workplaces that require inspection. However, relevant data is accessible through the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the Registrar of Companies, yet it is not shared with other agencies or made publicly available.
According to publicly available information from 2018, only a small fraction of businesses and workplaces in Fiji have undergone inspections. The FRCS reported having 28,984 registered small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and workplaces. This figure is expected to have increased significantly since Fiji’s reopening after the pandemic. The OHS inspectors often devote considerable time inspecting businesses that already comply, which could be better utilized visiting and advising non-compliant workplaces and SMEs.
In light of today’s fast-paced business environment, Mr. Singh emphasized the importance of balancing worker health and safety with business growth and job creation. He mentioned that the proposed provisions categorize workplaces as high-risk or low-risk, which determines the frequency of inspections and audits.
Additionally, regulation 66 includes a new rule stating that if an employer categorized as operating in a low-risk workplace is found noncompliant, the chief health and safety inspector has the authority to reclassify that workplace as high-risk. He advised that high-risk workplaces should be inspected and audited annually due to their greater potential for accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
Mr. Singh reiterated that ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety laws is a priority for the government, making it crucial to review these regulations to facilitate an improved business environment for both public and private sectors.