𝗥𝗙𝗠𝗙 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗛𝗦 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗣𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗿𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) concluded a three-day Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) course on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Tuvasu Hall, Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua. The event was officially closed by Chief Staff Officer (CSO) Welfare, Major Mesake Daunitoko.

In his opening remarks, Maj Daunitoko expressed his gratitude to Mr. Isimeli Tuivaga, Executive Director of Total Workplace Management Solutions, for training the RFMF Unit representatives and also thanked the RFMF OHS Unit representatives for their participation.

“To our distinguished trainer, your expertise, passion, and engaging teaching methods have been the cornerstone of this training session. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for guiding the course participant through this learning journey. Your efforts have equipped them with valuable skills and insights that they can apply in their roles as OHS Committee members and representatives,” Maj. Daunitoko said.

Maj Daunitoko also emphasised several key principles of good governance in the context of occupational health and safety (OHS) within the military, and that includes: accountability, transparency, stakeholder involvement, compliance with regulations, continuous improvement, training, and education.

“As designated individuals from respective units, you are responsible for implementing and maintaining OHS standards, ensuring compliance, addressing safety concerns, clear and open communication about safety policies, procedures, and incident updates, and access to safety reports and data. Involving leadership within your respective units and other key stakeholders within the institution in the development and implementation of OHS policies and adhering to the international, national, and institutional health and safety laws and standards,” Maj Daunitoko added.

Maj Daunitoko concluded his remarks by encouraging the course participants, stating that this training marks the beginning of their journey, not the end. He emphasised that it is a stepping stone toward their continued personal and professional development.

“I encourage each of you to practice what you’ve learned, share your insight with colleagues, and continue to seek opportunities for development. Together we can achieve greater things and drive the institution forward,” Maj. Daunitoko concluded.

A total of twenty-seven (27) personnel from various units within the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) graduated with certificates in OHS Modules 1 and 2. They became the first cohort of course participants from any institution to receive the white ID card.