A growing concern in the public service sector is the escalating demand for emergency services, largely due to the increasing frequency of natural disasters, according to Rosalia Valeova, a technical officer for the Ministry of Employment. During a recent presentation at a workshop in Suva, focused on climate change capacity building and the Fiji Public Service Association’s strategic plan, Valeova highlighted the impact of environmental degradation on vulnerable workers and emergency responders.
Valeova pointed out that natural disasters—including wildfires, hurricanes, and floods—are leading to a greater need for healthcare professionals and NGO workers to provide immediate assistance in affected areas. She stressed that the provision of safe, healthy, and decent working conditions is contingent on minimizing environmental hazards and ensuring environmental stability.
However, she also cautioned about the health risks associated with poor air and water quality, which can affect first responders, potentially exposing them to serious illnesses. Valeova noted that food contamination raises cancer risks, and heat waves can severely impact outdoor workers.
Addressing the need for public employment programs and job retraining due to job displacements from climate impacts, she emphasized that climate change issues significantly affect human beings. Valeova called for a deeper investment in health safety training within the public service sector to better equip responders for these challenges.
Overall, the increasing focus on the resilience of emergency services and the importance of health safety training provides a hopeful outlook for better prepared and protected workforce in the face of climate-driven natural disasters. Investing in training and support is vital as we move towards a future where preparedness and adaptability become essential in safeguarding both public health and the environment.
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