Security firm probed over alleged worker mistreatment after viral video

A viral video has sparked an investigation into a security company accused of mistreating its workers in Fiji. The footage shows a man alleging he was dropped off in remote locations and forced to walk home after working past midnight. The Ministry of Employment has taken these allegations very seriously, with Permanent Secretary Jone Maritino Nemani confirming that labor inspectors are urgently assessing the situation. Nemani stressed that employers have a clear legal obligation under Fiji's Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure the well-being of their employees, a responsibility that extends beyond working hours. This includes providing safe transportation, especially for security officers working late shifts between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when public transport may not be available, as stipulated by the Security Services Regulation 2015. While the Ministry will not prejudge the outcome, Nemani made it clear that any employer found to have breached employment laws could face enforcement action. The incident highlights the critical importance of upholding workplace safety standards and ensuring the dignity and welfare of all workers in Fiji.

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Under Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1996, every employer in Fiji has a clear legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of their workers.