The Ministry of Employment’s National Occupational Health and Safety Services (NOHSS) is currently investigating the unfortunate death of a 50-year-old Japanese tourist who drowned while snorkeling near the Fiji Hideaway Resort in Sigatoka on November 4.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh reported that the incident occurred around 8 a.m. while the victim was swimming alone. As part of the ongoing investigation, the NOHSS is working to assess the safety protocols and procedures the resort had in place for activities involving guests. This examination will focus on the level of supervision provided, as well as the protocols for rescue and evacuation during emergencies.
The minister stated that the NOHSS is collaborating with relevant authorities to acquire medical and post-mortem reports from the police to further assist in the investigation. He emphasized the responsibility of hotel management to identify potential hazards and develop appropriate strategies to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Mr. Singh also highlighted that the NOHSS routinely conducts inspections of workplaces across Fiji, including resorts, to ensure compliance with legal safety standards. Any non-compliance identified during these inspections results in enforcement notices aimed at ensuring necessary corrective measures are taken.
In summary, this tragic incident has prompted a thorough investigation into the safety measures at the resort, reflecting the commitment of authorities to uphold guest safety and prevent future occurrences.
Positive Note: While this incident is a tragedy, it presents an opportunity for improvements in safety regulations and guest supervision protocols in Fiji’s tourism sector. By taking the lessons learned from this investigation, the ministry and resorts can enhance their safety measures, ultimately fostering a safer environment for all visitors.
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