Worker safety high on CIC conference agenda

Worker safety will be a major topic at the Construction Industry Council (CIC) Conference, to be held in June this year, with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the construction industry high on the agenda
Accredited OHS Instructor and Safety Auditor, Ratu Ilisoni Naiteqe, will be leading the OHS discussion at the CIC Conference, which will take place at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva, on June 13, 14 and 15.
CIC Chairman, Mr Gordon Jenkins, said that the Council is concerned about worker safety and OHS in the construction industry.

“CIC welcomes the opportunity to discuss this crucial issue. We are grateful that Ratu Naiteqe is available to make his very important presentation at the CIC Conference in June,” said Mr Jenkins.

Ratu Naiteqe, who hails from Naitasiri, conducts the OHS certificate and OHS trade diploma programmes at the Fiji National University. He also works as a consultant with industry and the Government, in his capacity as both trainer and safety auditor.

“I teach OHS at FNU and at the same time I train people in the workforce on OHS regulations, legislation, and the application of OHS.

He said that he looked forward to the opportunity to discuss OHS and its importance with the construction industry delegates in the upcoming CIC Conference.

Ratu Naiteqe said that the awareness of the importance of OHS is growing.

“From 1996 when the first OHS law was passed, and from 2002 to 2015, I’ve seen significant changes that people are beginning to adopt in their lives and into their operations.

“I also see improvements in any organisation that I have trained, because I collect data before and after the OHS training The impact of improved OHS is significant, as it increases benefits for the workers, and contributes towards improved production; a benefit for employers,” he said.

Ratu Naiteqe has been involved in the OHS profession worked for 26 years, beginning as an OHS performance advisor for Vatukoula mines in 1993. He sees his work as a way to contribute to the country and its people, irrespective of the nature of their work.

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