The National Occupational Health and Safety Services (NOHSS) within the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations (MEPWR) is investigating the drowning of a hotel guest at Fiji Hideaway Resort in Sigatoka. On November 4, 2024, a 50-year-old Japanese tourist tragically drowned while swimming alone around 8:00 AM.
Minister Agni Deo Singh stated that the initial findings indicate the need for a thorough inquiry into the safety measures in place at the resort. The NOHSS is evaluating whether the hotel had adequate supervision and emergency protocols for guest activities, including rescue and evacuation procedures during critical situations.
Furthermore, the NOHSS is collaborating with authorities to secure medical and autopsy reports from the Fiji Police Force to assist in their investigation. Singh emphasized that the hotel management must proactively identify potential hazards and implement necessary control strategies to avoid similar incidents in the future. A comprehensive report detailing the findings of the investigation will be released upon its completion.
The NOHSS is actively involved in inspecting workplaces across Fiji, including resorts, to ensure compliance with legal safety standards. They also issue enforcement notices for any violations discovered during these inspections to prompt employers to undertake necessary corrective actions.
This tragic event highlights the importance of stringent safety measures at resorts. As investigations proceed, it is hoped that the findings will lead to enhanced safety protocols not only at the Fiji Hideaway Resort but across the hospitality industry in Fiji, ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
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