The most significant reform of New Zealand’s workplace health and safety system in 20 years is on its way.
We are making changes to ensure that we work smarter, target risk and work together to improve the country’s performance in workplace health and safety.
The ‘Working Safer’ package announced recently is a major step-change in New Zealand’s approach to meet the target of reducing our workplace injury and death toll by 25% by 2020.
This is the legacy we owe to the Pike River families and families of 75 people who are killed each year in New Zealand workplaces.
We are addressing the recommendations of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety, which provided the Government with a solid foundation to make positive changes to the system.
The changes would envisage overhauling the law, supported by clear, consistent guidelines and information for businesses on their obligations.
Additional funding
There will be more funding for WorkSafe New Zealand (from $53 million to $80 million) to strengthen enforcement, education and implementation of the changes.
WorkSafe New Zealand will target high-risk areas. In addition, there will be a focus on occupational harm and hazardous substances, better coordination between government agencies, and improved worker participation.
These reforms will imply stronger penalties, enforcement tools and court powers.
Achieving sustainable change in workplace health and safety is not something we can do alone. It requires leadership and action from businesses and workers, working with government, sharing the responsibility and driving the solutions on the ground.
Business support
I know that the Indian business community will support these initiatives.
This reform is not about simply telling people what to do, but about what they need to achieve. It is about supporting businesses to embed good health and safety practices in their workplaces.
It is an investment in improved productivity, staff engagement and an organisation’s reputation in the community.
Good health and safety make good business sense and it is the right thing to do.
Workers and their families have the right to expect to return home safe from work each day. The changes will benefit all New Zealanders.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi is Member of Parliament on National’s List.
