MEDIA RELEASE
ACCF IDENTIFIES HIGH-INJURY INDUSTRIES
The industries where the majority of workers were injured are manufacturing, retail trade, tourism, construction, and mining. Other industries include security services, logging and forestry, and marine. The Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF), CEO Mr. Parvez Akbar, confirms that ACCF has received a total of 1825 notifications of employment accidents from employers confirming injuries and deaths to workers arising out of and in the course of their employment since 01st January 2023. Most of these injuries were caused by slips, trips and falls, machinery, handling materials and tools, stepping/ striking against objects, and fire or hot substances. In particular, ACCF has recently observed serious injuries being caused by forklifts and excavators. The nature of these injuries include lacerations, fractures, burns and amputations.
Most of these injuries could have been prevented and ACCF continues to be a leading voice in creating awareness on health and safety at work, and in particular, advocating for the building of a positive safety and health culture. Management and workers should collaborate to continually improve the health and safety in the workplace to prevent incidents of illnesses and accidents. ACCF engages daily on social media, undertakes face to face and online presentations with the public, stakeholders and interested parties. ACCF also regularly identifies potential breaches of health and safety obligations and refers them to the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations for consideration and necessary action.
Workers continue to express their gratitude for the no-fault scheme and say that it is much easier now to receive compensation compared to the period prior to the introduction of the Accident Compensation Scheme. ACCF has noted an increase in the number of applications for compensation for employment accidents, which has risen to 383 applications to date in 2023.
Health and safety in the workplace is the responsibility of both employers and workers. Employers should provide a safe working environment, training and supervision, and protective personal equipment. Workers should follow all health and safety instructions, wear personal protective equipment, and take reasonable care to ensure they do not cause harm to themselves or to others.