The demand for emergency services in the public sector is on the rise, attributed to the increasing frequency of natural disasters, according to Rosalia Valeova, a technical officer at the Ministry of Employment. During a workshop focused on climate change capacity building held by the Fiji Public Service Association in Suva, Valeova emphasized the growing risks associated with environmental degradation, particularly affecting vulnerable workers.
Valeova noted that the escalating occurrences of disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, and floods have led to a heightened need for healthcare professionals and NGO workers directly involved in emergency response efforts. She stated, “Public services are seeing high demand for emergency responses due to more frequent natural disasters,” highlighting the critical role these workers play on the front lines during crises.
She further explained that maintaining safe and healthy working conditions is essential, which depends largely on the absence of environmental hazards. However, exposure to poor water and air quality poses significant risks, potentially leading to health issues for first responders. Valeova warned that factors like food contamination could increase the risk of serious illnesses, including cancer, while heat waves can severely impact outdoor workers.
Additionally, she pointed out the need for public employment programs or job retraining for those displaced by climate impacts, noting that climate-related challenges significantly affect people’s lives. To address these pressing issues, she stressed the importance of investing in health safety training within the public service sector.
In summary, the article highlights the growing demand for emergency services in Fiji as natural disasters become more common, showcasing the importance of health and safety training for workers involved in response efforts. While these challenges may seem daunting, they also present an opportunity for increased awareness and proactive measures to better equip the workforce and safeguard public health in the face of climate change. This focus on training and resilience can foster a more prepared and responsive public service in the future.
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