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The National Fire Authority in their efforts to improve fire safety in work places has begun an aggressive campaign on “fire risk assessments” of all commercial and industrial properties in Fiji.
This after an alarming statistics of 62 fires reported since December 2009.
Fiji Employers Federation chief executive Nesbitt Hazelman told FijiLive they received mixed reactions from employers regarding this.
“However, employers do understand they need to be proactive in this area for the safety of their premises and employees,” he said.
He said large organisations had no qualms with the assessment, but it was the smaller ones who were trying to establish their views.
“The assessment comes with a fee and while the larger organisations can see the benefits of certifying their building, the smaller ones have to consider about the fee charges,” Hazelman said.
He said businesses have no choice in the matter since a Fire Compliance Certificate had to be issued before a business license is granted.
“Those who do not comply with this may find themselves running after the NFA if their business license is not renewed.”
The new initiative comes after Government implemented the Fire Service Amended Decree 2009.
