Workplace Health and Safety Strategy for New Zealand to 2015

Rautaki mō te Haumaru me te Hauora o te Wāhi Mahi mō Aotearoa ki te 2015

Snapshot of Progress 2006/07

Appendix 1 - Action Reporting Template 2006/07

Healthy people in safe and productive workplaces

Updated August 2007

Priorities - Progress in 2006/07

The following list provides an update of progress against significant activities in the 2006/07 year that have contributed to the Strategy's outcomes and vision. A more detailed list of activities is included in the following tables.

1. Establishing the Workplace Health and Safety Council

The establishment of the Workplace Health and Safety Council (the Council) has been a significant achievement for the Strategy. The Council was formally approved by Cabinet in November 2006, and Council members were appointed in March 2007. The Council met formally for the first time in May 2007.

Moving forward, the Council will perform an important role in providing high-level advice to the Ministers on how best to deliver the Strategy.

2. Developing a 10-year Workplace Health and Safety Implementation Road Map to outline the short, medium and long-term measures to achieve the vision

The Department of Labour has developed a draft 10-year Workplace Health and Safety Implementation Road Map to chart progress towards the Strategy's outcomes and vision. The Road Map seeks to describe the pathways to progressing workplace health and safety across New Zealand and outlines a simple logic model to help us understand how health and safety initiatives under the Strategy align towards the vision. In other words, while the Workplace Health and Safety Strategy make the final destination clear, the Road Map provides an outline of how to get there.

The Road Map will provide a focus for discussion by the Workplace Health and Safety Council in coming months and will be used to stimulate wider discussion and debate about the short, medium and long-term issues and priorities facing workplace health and safety in New Zealand.

3. Promoting the Strategy to government agencies and key stakeholders, and actively seeking partnership projects that support the Strategy

Good progress has been made on a range of strategic joint projects including:

  • Review of Regulatory Frameworks Interface project (Department of Labour, ERMA New Zealand, Ministry for the Environment)
  • completing the first phase of the Risk Landscape project, which aims to reduce the work toll (Department of Labour and ACC)
  • development of a joint work programme to reduce harm arising from workplace noise (ACC and Department of Labour)
  • inter-agency project to improve the surveillance of occupational disease and injury (co-led by the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Health)
  • development of a joint HSNO compliance and enforcement strategy (Ministry for the Environment, ERMA New Zealand, Department of Labour)

Further detail about how these projects are progressing is included in the action reporting template that follows.

4. Promoting and supporting government leadership through a Government Leadership Programme involving government as leaders and champions of health and safety practice and procurement

The Department of Labour is developing a Government Leadership Programme to promote government as leaders of health and safety practice and procurement.

A draft work programme has been provided to the Minister of Labour outlining how to progress responsible contracting across government. This involved consultation with social partners.

A responsible contracting survey has been conducted with a cross section of public sector agencies. The survey looked at agencies' responsible contracting practices. It has enabled better understanding of existing procurement practices, including health and safety. This survey identified considerable scope for improvement in how health and safety is dealt with in contract provisions.

The Department will use the information from the responsible contracting survey, along with information about the private sector, to develop responsible contracting principles and guidelines for the public sector. Health and safety will provide a practical focus to progress this work, for example, via information on the procurement of safer light vehicles in the government fleet.

5. Promoting and supporting industry leadership through an industry leadership programme that involves and acknowledges industry as champions and leaders in health and safety

Positive industry leadership is underway by the New Zealand Forest Owners' Association (NZFOA) with the support of ACC and the Department of Labour. The NZFOA Health and Safety Committee has resolved to start planning for a simplified health and safety management system for forestry, with a focus on information and guidance provision, capability development and auditing systems.

The Department of Labour has undertaken research to understand how preventive safety culture influences safety performance and productivity. Initial findings suggest a strong link between a positive safety culture and safety outcomes. Additional non-safety outcomes, such as improved productivity and enhanced corporate reputation, have also emerged as benefits of a positive safety culture. The Department will promote these findings through its networks and the Strategy website.

The Department has also completed research on summer fatalities. This research highlighted areas where industry can champion improvements in their health and safety culture, systems and practices, for example, by working with older workers and vehicle roll-overs.

6. Progressing two national priority areas - airborne substances and vulnerable workers

The Department of Labour has progressed work in airborne substances on two fronts in the past year. Health and Safety Inspectors have been given tools to address different airborne substances issues and have visited workplaces using these tools as part of their normal inspection programmes. An example is the project looking at isocyanate exposure in the vehicle repair industry.

An airborne substances programme has also been initiated at a strategic level. This programme looks at what can be done to set some priorities for work on airborne substances, and will consider ways to improve management and control of airborne substances hazards in workplaces. The Department of Labour commissioned a literature review to look into priority and control issues, and has run workshops with private consultants, employer and union representatives, and health and safety inspectors. The information gathered will be used to inform projects in the coming year.

The Department's vulnerable workers programme has focused on better understanding who our vulnerable workers are. The research has indicated that older men, Māori and Pacific men in high risk industries, and children and youth workers are all at increased risk. The Department of labour now wants to build on this work in partnership with other agencies. Identifying future trends and future vulnerable workers will also assist in prioritising and targeting future interventions in workplaces.

In 2007/2008, the Department will support the Strategy's objective of improving health and safety outcomes for vulnerable workers in various ways including:

  • reviewing the HSE Regulations 1995 that relate to children and young people
  • working with ACC to assess the current risk landscape for workplace injuries and illness and develop packages of appropriate interventions to maximise risk reduction at a range of costs
  • reviewing the management of asbestos
  • supporting the Safe Communities Foundation to deliver Passports to Safety within New Zealand schools
  • working with the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs to develop resources and increase awareness about workplace health and safety for Pacific and Māori workers
  • continuing to gather better information on the links between work-related disease and injury and workplace factors such as literacy levels, new migrants and precarious employment.

7. Reviewing the evaluation framework of the Strategy to provide more effective communication and reporting on progress

The current evaluation framework has been reviewed. A set of high-level indicators are being developed to monitor progress against the Strategy and will form part of the 10-year Workplace Health and Safety Implementation Road Map.

8. Promoting the links between health and safety performance and workplace productivity

Over the last year, the Department of Labour has initiated three pieces of research around productivity and safety culture in businesses. The research has highlighted the implicit connections between good safety cultures, good health and safety performance and good productivity. Over the next few months, the Department will be exploring opportunities to promote the research findings and case studies about health, safety and productivity. The research and DVD case studies will be used to engage with professional, industry groups and worker groups to promote discourse around health and safety and productivity.

9. Starting research on the links between health and safety performance and employee participation

A request for tender has been developed to start exploratory research into employee participation. The Department is consulting with social partners on the scope and content of the research.

10. Progressing the inter-agency project to better align the Health and Safety in Employment Act; Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Act; and Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act as part of the Quality Regulation Review

A Ministerial review of regulatory frameworks, the Quality Regulation Review, was led by the Ministry of Economic Development during the year and has now concluded.

The interface project published a summary of findings in July 2007. The summary report highlights the three broad areas for improvement for business as:

  • making all guidance material user friendly
  • providing comprehensive information on all compliance requirements
  • being more customer-focused.

The project suggested a two-stage process to address issues and improve the interface. These include initiatives begun straight away and longer-term solutions to be considered for on-going work programmes.

Among the initiatives begun, or already completed by agencies:

  • ACC is reviewing auditing methods used for the ACC Partnership Programme.
  • ERMA New Zealand and the Department of Labour have developed information and tools to assist HSNO compliance in the farming and horticulture industries.
  • ERMA New Zealand has produced HSNO compliance information for the embalming industry, paint industry and service stations.
  • Options are being investigated for delivering co-ordinated health and safety advice and information through business mentoring and coaching programmes.
  • the Department of Labour is developing an online hazard self assessment tool for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with content that will assist businesses to manage health and safety matters and meet the ACC Workplace Safety Discount programme where they are eligible.
  • the Department of Labour has developed a strategic approach to health and safety enforcement. Implementing the new approach has started and will continue over the next 18 months.

Longer-term solutions and ways for agencies to achieve them are included in the summary document at http://dol.govt.nz/consultation/interface-project/index.asp

11. Progressing the whole-of-government project to improve the surveillance of occupational disease and injury

An inter-agency group has been established to improve the surveillance of occupational disease and injury. Agencies have undertaken an initial stock-take of their current systems, their purpose and how well they work.

The working group is now focused on getting better analysis of the data from existing systems, which will provide better information leading to better reporting and prevention. A conceptual framework has been drafted focusing on key diseases and indicators that can be used to monitor them. The next step will involve consultation with key stakeholders including medical experts and government agencies.

Undertaking research into occupational health in New Zealand was a priority this year. Requests for tender have been published on the Health Research Council website for the following research projects - occupational asthma, occupational dermatitis, workplace stress and bullying, and workplace exposure to carcinogens. These will be awarded to the successful applicants in 2007.

ACC, the Health Research Council and the Department of Labour are also funding research into improving the control and management of noise in workplaces. This complements ACC research into the incidence and prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss.

OUTCOME 1: Government Leadership and Practices

Government promotes a high standard of workplace safety and health performance in New Zealand and has excellent health and safety practices in its own workplaces.

Objective Activity 2006/07 Strategy Action Targeted Lead
 1a - Set high government expectations for workplace health and safety in New Zealand and ensure that regulatory standards are achieved The establishment of the Workplace Health and Safety Council represents a significant milestone for the Strategy. The Council was formally approved by Cabinet in November 2006, and Council members were appointed in March 2007. The Council met formally for the first time in May 2007. Moving forward, the Council will perform an important role in providing high-level advice to the Ministers on how best to deliver the Strategy. 1a (1)-(7) DoL (Strategy priority 2006/07)
ILO Convention 155 on occupational health and safety and the working environment was ratified in June 2007 and will enter into force on 12 June 2008. Ratifying Convention 155 signals New Zealand's commitment to the on-going promotion of improved health and safety in our workplaces. 1a DoL
DoL has developed a draft 10-year Workplace Health and Safety Implementation Road Map to chart progress towards the Strategy's outcomes and vision. The Road Map seeks to describe the pathways to progressing workplace health and safety across New Zealand, and outlines a simple logic model to help us understand how health and safety initiatives under the Strategy align towards the vision. The Road Map will provide a focus for discussion by the Workplace Health and Safety Council in coming months and will be used to stimulate wider discussion and debate about the short, medium and long-term issues and priorities facing workplace health and safety in New Zealand. 1a (1) DoL (Strategy priority 2006/07)
A Government Leadership Programme is being developed that involves government as leaders and champions in health and safety practice and procurement. The programme has had an initial focus on responsible contracting. 1a DoL (Strategy priority 2006/07)
Two national priority areas are being progressed - a work programme has been developed to address airborne substances, and vulnerable workers' issues are being scoped.

DoL has progressed work in airborne substances at both a strategic and operational level. Strategically, an airborne substances programme has been initiated to set some priorities for work on airborne substances, and to consider ways to improve management and control of airborne substance hazards in workplaces. DoL commissioned a literature review to look into priority and control issues, and has run workshops with private consultants, employer and union representatives, and health and safety inspectors. The information gathered will be used to inform projects in the coming year. At an operational level, health and safety inspectors have been given tools to address different airborne substances issues and have visited workplaces using these tools as part of their normal inspection programmes. An example is the project looking at isocyanate exposure in the vehicle repair industry.

DoL's vulnerable workers programme has focused on better understanding who our vulnerable workers are. The research has indicated that older men, Māori and Pacific men in high risk industries and children and youth workers are all at increased risk. These groups will receive more focused attention over the next year to improve their safety. Identifying future trends and future vulnerable workers will also assist prioritisation and targeting of future interventions in workplaces. In 2007/2008, DoL will support the Strategy's objective of improving health and safety outcomes for vulnerable workers in various ways including:

  • reviewing the HSE Regulations 1995 that relate to children and young people
  • working with ACC to assess the current risk landscape for workplace injuries and illness and develop packages of appropriate interventions to maximise risk reduction at a range of costs
  • reviewing the management of asbestos in New Zealand
  • supporting the Safe Communities Foundation to deliver Passports to Safety within New Zealand schools
  • working with MPIA to develop resources and increase awareness about workplace health and safety for Pacific and Māori workers
  • continuing to gather better information on the links between work-related disease and injury and workplace factors such as literacy levels, new migrants and precarious employment.
 1a, 1b DoL (Strategy priority 2006/07)
A number of industry or activity based health and safety guidance documents have been developed and implemented, including guidelines for the inshore fishing industry, and a sawmill health and safety guide. How to implement safer work practices (ACC 366) has been reviewed, a review and proposed revision of the VDU code of practice has commenced, and a range of training and other guidance material for WHSS priority sectors has been developed. 1a ACC
ACC collaborated with DoL to produce 'how to' guides covering key industry hazards and focused on small employers. These also support the deployment of the Workplace Safety Discounts programme for small businesses. 1a (6) DoL ,ACC
DoL undertook a review of the evaluation framework of the Strategy to provide more effective communication and reporting on progress. 1a (3) DoL (Strategy priority 2006/07)
DoL has developed a draft enforcement strategy for health and safety. This strategy sets out how staff undertaking duties under the HSE Act interact with business and other government agencies across the education-enforcement continuum. Implementing the new approach will continue over the next 18 months. 1a (6) DoL (Strategy priority 2006/07)
DoL is taking a strong leadership role in promoting the Strategy through media articles, promotional material and inter-agency meetings. 1a (2) DoL Strategy priority 2006/07)
Development of a rail safety strategy is underway in consultation with the whole community, including stakeholders, to further improve rail safety. This work will include determining successful rail safety interventions and examining further steps that may reduce rail trauma. 1a (2) MoT
Work under DoL's annual Workplace Services Health Programme is continuing. The programme provides information and assessment tools for health and safety inspectors visiting workplaces. It focuses on clean air, musculoskeletal disorders, psychosocial factors and other issues such as drugs and alcohol in workplaces, and occupational noise. 1a DoL
Two NOHSAC reports were released in 2006/7 - The Surveillance and Control of Workplace Exposures in New Zealand: Report to the Minister of Labour, and the National Profile of Occupational Health and Safety in New Zealand: Report to the Minister of Labour. 1a, 3c NOHSAC
ACC is implementing four occupational health initiatives in priority industry sectors. These address noise-induced hearing loss, musculoskeletal/back injury, respiratory disease and workplace impairment, and complement DoL programmes. 1a ACC
DoL's Workplace Services staff in Auckland organised an occupational health seminar in late February 2007. This seminar covered proposed changes to the Second Schedule of the IPRC Act in the reporting and investigating of occupational diseases, and DoL occupational disease priorities. 1a DoL
MoH and SPARC are running a joint programme to increase access to healthy nutrition and physical activity options within the public service workplace. This initiative is part of the government's Mission-On campaign, designed to improve the health and lifestyles of young New Zealanders. A programme of workplace initiatives was piloted within SPARC and MoH in June 2007. This pilot will be evaluated, and MoE and MYD will commence programmes in early 2008. The programme will be rolled out to other government agencies from October 2008. 1b, 2a, 2c MoH, SPARC
DoL is leading a project team to update the Workplace Exposure Standards for New Zealand, which are applicable under both the HSE and HSNO Acts. This project forms part of the airborne substances programme. 1a, 1c DoL
An Operator Rating System (ORS) is under development, which will rate commercial transport companies based on their compliance with standards and regulations. The proposed system will allow LTNZ to use information including Certificate of Fitness (CoF) inspection results, crash reports and offence data to produce ratings for commercial operators, which will be published and regularly reviewed. The first public iteration of the ORS is scheduled for mid-2009. 1a (4) LTNZ
A Ministerial review of regulatory frameworks, the Quality Regulation Review, was led by MED during the year and has now concluded. The interface project published a summary of findings in July 2007, which highlighted three broad areas for improvement: making all guidance material user-friendly; providing comprehensive information on all compliance requirements; and being more customer-focused. The project suggested a number of short and longer-term solutions to be considered for on-going work programmes. Among the initiatives begun, or already completed by agencies:
  • ACC is reviewing auditing methods used for the ACC Partnership Programme.
  • ERMA New Zealand and DoL have developed information and tools to assist HSNO compliance in the farming and horticulture industries.
  • ERMA New Zealand has produced HSNO compliance information for the embalming industry, paint industry and service stations.
  • Options are being investigated for delivering co-ordinated health and safety advice and information through business mentoring and coaching programmes.
  • DoL is developing an online hazard self assessment tool for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with content that will assist businesses to manage health and safety matters and meet the ACC Workplace Safety Discount programme where they are eligible.
  • DoL has developed a strategic approach to health and safety enforcement. Implementing the new approach has started and will continue over the next 18 months.
Longer-term solutions and ways for agencies to achieve them are included in the summary document at http://dol.govt.nz/consultation/interface-project/index.asp		 1a (4), 1c (1)-(3) DoL, ACC, ERMA NZ, MfE
1b - Provide leadership in workplace health and safety through the government's role as an employer and purchaser ACC promotes participation in ACC workplace incentive programmes and encourage higher involvement by government employers. 1b (1)-(5) ACC
Government agency participation in the Accredited Employer Programme (AEP) and workplace safety management practices has been maintained over the year. 1b (1)-(5) ACC
ACC has developed an engagement strategy with local authorities designed to encourage territorial local authorities to lead and promote health and safety practices within their own organisations and across the community (linked to WHO accreditation). 1b (1)-(5) ACC
DoL is developing a Government Leadership Programme to involve government as leaders and champions of health and safety practice and procurement in their operations. To date, DoL has provided preliminary advice to the Minister of Labour on options to progress responsible contracting across government, including health and safety in procurement. The Department is currently consulting with social partners on the best ways forward. 1b (1) DoL (Strategy priority 2006/07)
As part of Govt3, a number of public sector vehicle fleets are being audited. These are largely environmentally based, although safety ratings are also recorded. Procurement safety guidelines have been added to the final reports. 1b (1)-(5) MoT
CAA has actively participated in the ACC Partnership Programme through the WSMP and has achieved primary level following the first audit. 1b (2) CAA
1c - Improve co-ordination and alignment of government agency roles and activities DoL and ACC have agreed a project scope for a joint initiative looking at developing a common understanding of the risk landscape and intervention logic to reduce the work toll. 1a, 1c (1)-(6) DoL, ACC
DoL and ACC have also agreed a project scope to look at assessing the current activities undertaken by DoL and ACC to reduce harms arising from workplace noise in New Zealand and will aim to develop a joint work programme for the 2007/08 year and beyond. Noise is being prioritised as an operational activity for inspectors and ACC injury prevention staff with an aim to get better control at source. 1c (2), (3), (4) and (6) DoL, ACC
DoL and the MoH are co-leading an inter-agency project (involving ACC, MNZ, CAA, MoT, ERMA NZ, MfE and SNZ) to improve occupational disease surveillance and the co-ordination of occupational injury. A inter-agency group has been established to improve the surveillance of occupational disease and injury. Agencies have undertaken an initial stock-take of their current systems, their purpose and how well they work.

The working group is now focused on getting better analysis of the data from existing systems, which will provide better information leading to better reporting and prevention. A conceptual framework has been drafted focusing on key diseases and indicators that can be used to monitor them. The next step will involve consultation with key stakeholders including medical experts and government agencies.		 1c (2) and (4) DoL, MoH co-lead (Strategy priority 2006/07)
MfE and ERMA New Zealand co-managed a research project that investigated the potential for using measures of compliance with HSNO controls as a surrogate indicator for exposure to hazardous substances and the harmful effects that can result from such exposure. 1c (2), (3), (4) and (6) ERMA NZ, MfE
Planning is underway to more closely align DoL's compliance approach at a local level with a safety management practices component of ACC's incentive programme. 1a (5) ACC
ACC and DoL are collaborating on research on noise-induced hearing loss. A contract has been let recently for research into the incidence and prevalence of noise in the workplace. The work is scheduled to commence in October 2007. 1c (4) ACC, DoL
MPIA will continue to work with government agencies on the co-ordination and alignment of work programmes ensuring that they are responsive to the needs of Pacific peoples. MPIA will continue to work closely with DoL in the further development of the vulnerable workers project, recognising that a high proportion of Pacific workers are employed within high risk industries. 1c (1), (2) and (4) MPIA
In December 2006, a paper outlining a proposed strategy for hazardous substances compliance and enforcement was approved by Cabinet. The strategy aims to reduce the risks from hazardous substances by improving existing HSNO compliance levels. The strategy incorporates a tiered approach (funding dependent) that initially focuses on data capture, information provision and targeted enforcement activities for priority industry sectors, with a subsequent shift towards developing a sustainable compliance and enforcement regime that centres on voluntary compliance, self-regulation and targeted enforcement measures. 1a (6) ERMA NZ, MfE, DoL
Rail safety legislation was amended in 2005 to clarify its relationship to the HSE Act. Implementation and assessment of safety cases that have emerged and associated audits will continue (on-going). 1c (2) LTNZ

OUTCOME 2: Preventive Workplace Cultures Workplaces have values, attitudes, practices and systems that prevent harm to people at work.

Objective Activity 2006/07 Strategy Action Targeted Lead
2a - Increase the recognition among business owners, directors and senior managers that health and safety benefits their business ACC carried out research into awareness and understanding of health and safety responsibilities in key industry sectors. This is focused on better understanding business attitudes to health and safety, the steps employers are currently taking in this field and any barriers to effective health and safety practice. 2a (1)-(4) ACC
A small employer/self-employed incentive programme was deployed in 2006/07. This provides levy discounts for small businesses that are able to demonstrate effective health and safety practice. 2a (1)-(3) ACC
Throughout the year, ACC has continued to develop relationships with key industry sectors through the Safer Industry forums and directly to larger employers. 2a (1)-(3) ACC
DoL has commissioned research to understand how preventative safety culture influences safety performance and productivity. This included an international literature review to provide an initial knowledge base on workplace culture and its relationship to health and safety performance. The literature review was completed in June 2007. The Department has also developed a package of promotional materials including two dvds to showcase how some businesses view the links between health, safety and productivity. 2a (1)-(3) DoL (Strategy priority 2006/07)
The Safe Driving is Good Business programme of activity has been continued this year. LTNZ, ACC, DoL and MoT are currently reviewing and updating the manual for re-release. Broader promotional work under this action will be undertaken around the productivity benefits of health and safety in the workplace. 2a (2) LTNZ
2b - Increase the commitment and capability of managers to systematically and effectively manage workplace health and safety ACC has fully reviewed and updated the core workplace health and safety systems guide for employers. This document provides extensive advice to employers on health and safety duties and responsibilities under the HSE Act and directly addresses the core elements of ACC's workplace safety management practices audit. DoL was closely involved in all aspects of the revision of this guide. 2b (1)-(6) ACC
The Workplace Safety Discounts programme was implemented in six industry sectors. This incorporates guidance and training for small business on health and safety management and control of industry hazards. 2b ACC
ACC continued to support the health and safety awards section of the Westpac Business Excellence programme and the DoL/Safeguard New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards. 2b ACC
CAA is developing a range of guidance material aimed at increasing employers' awareness of and ability to meet the requirements of the HSE Act. Publications being developed include Identifying/Controlling Hazards, Aviation Health and Safety Manual, The Health and Safety Act in Aviation, and Health and Safety Management Systems. 2b (1)-(3) CAA
CAA has set up a fatigue study group as a preface to reviewing current CAA rules and guidance covering fatigue and duty hours. 2b (1) CAA
CAA has constructed health and safety information packs for delivery to all clients during visits and for distribution at all major aviation events. 2b (3) CAA
MNZ, working with industry, has developed specific health and safety guidelines for the passenger and non-passenger fleets along the lines of previously published guidelines for the commercial inshore fishing industry. A series of publications relating to the management of fatigue in the maritime industry has also been developed, using a case study approach. 2b (1) MNZ
ERMA NZ has approved codes of practice for the preparation of safety data sheets and a product labelling and documentation guide. 2b (1)-(3) ERMA NZ
ERMA NZ continues to develop guidance material that promotes the safe management of hazardous substances for priority sectors, including service stations, paint manufacturers and retailers, farmers and the embalming industry. 2b (1)-(3) ERMA NZ
2c - Ensure that workers participate effectively in processes for improving workplace health and safety ACC continues to support the delivery of employee health and safety representative training in collaboration with the NZCTU and Business New Zealand. During the 2006/07 year, ACC worked with both groups to develop a stage three training course designed to integrate prior learning from stages one and two and allow the representative to work more closely on health and safety issues in the workplace with their employer. 2c (1)-(5) ACC
DoL is commencing research on the links between health and safety performance and employee participation. An initial scope of the research requirements has been completed. 2c (3) DoL

OUTCOME 3: Industry Leadership and Community Engagement Industries lead improvements in workplace health and safety practices, and there is strong support for workplace health and safety in the wider community.

Objective Activity 2006/07 Strategy Action Targeted Lead
3a - Develop and implement industry-led initiatives to improve workplace health and safety ACC's workplace health and safety programmes are based around strategic industry relationships. These were developed and extended during 2006/07. Eight large industry sectors participate in ACC's safer industry forums, and other sectors are involved in related programmes including the Workplace Safety Discounts initiative. Each of these programmes is integrated into industry health and safety priorities and needs, and is designed to incrementally improve each industry's health and safety performance over time. 3a (1)-(8) ACC
A safety guideline for farm airstrips and associated fertiliser cartage, storage and application has been completed and is being distributed. 3a (4) CAA
A safety guideline for cabin crew safety is in development. 3a (4) CAA
CAA is using the Aviation Industry QA Managers' Forum to raise awareness of the WHSS. 3a (5) CAA
The forestry sector has recently initiated a process to develop a comprehensive health and safety strategy. DoL has been working with the sector to support its development. 3a (3) Forestry sector
LTNZ has produced a rail safety and licensing and safety assessment guidelines booklet and provides advice when required. 3a (4) LTNZ
LTNZ funds local authorities' programmes, which may include workplace fatigue and other workplace safety issues. 3a (4) LTNZ
LTNZ manages the Community Road Safety Programme. This has run workplace and community initiatives focused on alcohol and fatigue. 3a (4) LTNZ
3b - Encourage and enable industry and community leaders to promote workplace health and safety to their networks and communities ACC's local government engagement strategy is designed to encourage local government to promote and lead health and safety initiatives within their own organisations and communities. Eleven authorities have joined the initiative to date. 3b (1)-(4) ACC
ACC's DHB strategy is designed to encourage DHBs to look at their role as an employer, health service provider and key influencer within the community. ACC continues to support the implementation of the patient handling guidelines and initiated the development of a training programme to support consistent application across the DHBs. In addition, ACC has begun contracting DHBs to deliver fall prevention strategies targeting those aged 65+ either living in their own homes or in residential care facilities. 3b ACC
ACC held its second Safety New Zealand week in 2006. Part of this initiative included engagement with local employers to encourage them to improve their health and safety systems and implement initiatives to address non-work injuries. 3b (2) ACC
CAA has developed information and education packs for use by clients. 2a (2), 3b (2) CAA
NZIPS Secretariat with MoH have engaged two providers to deliver a series of workshops across 10 regions to promote awareness of injury prevention and support best practice. Eleven workshops have been completed in the North Island, and all involved wide representation from community safety groups, leading employers and local authorities. Workshops in New Plymouth, North Shore and Tauranga/Waikato had a particularly strong workplace representation. Key issues identified for actions included strengthening links between work and non-work safety initiatives, young persons and entry to work, use of temporary labour and small businesses. This programme will continue to strengthen common safety messages that mutually reinforce work and public safety. 3b, 3c NZIPS, MoH
3c - Raise awareness and understanding of workplace health and safety in the wider community MPIA is raising the profile of workplace health and safety as an issue of importance through its extensive Pacific networks. This has been done by utilising the Ministry's Pacific networks (media, Pacific radio, MPIA newsletters), which have nationwide distribution amongst Pacific communities throughout New Zealand. In June, MPIA utilised the NiuFM Niue ethnic radio programme in creating awareness for the WHSS. The Strategy's objectives and MPIA's role were highlighted. WHSS information dissemination is planned for other ethnic national radio shows in the near future, including Samoan and Tongan programmes. In further creating awareness, a draft article has also been produced to be included in an upcoming issue of the MPIA national newsletter of which a copy will be sent to DoL upon production. 3c (1) MPIA
ACC has developed a schools-based health and safety initiative to be delivered through TEC's Gateway programme in the 2007 academic year. This is intended to enhance health and safety education and awareness in secondary schools and will be initially targeted at students who intend to leave school to enter the workforce. 3c (1)-(4) ACC
During the year, ACC continued to integrate its workplace and public safety programmes. Areas of particular focus are occupationally-related road injuries, safety of families on farms, the injury causation impact of substance abuse across the community, and initiatives associated with gradual process injury. 3c,3b ACC
CAA has developed an extensive display on HSE in aviation for use at all aviation events. 3c (2) CAA
CAA HSE Unit staff attend industry-run conferences and events and provide specific material and education on the WHSS.   CAA
Passport to Safety is an emerging initiative in Taranaki that aims to improve young people's awareness of health and safety before they commence work. Health and safety inspectors in New Plymouth are involved with the Passport to Safety project. DoL will sponsor 600 passports once the initiative is fully functioning. This project, organised by the Safe Communities Foundation New Zealand, involves a web-based learning module for young people to increase their basic awareness of health and safety before they take on part-time work. This training began year in selected schools in the region in 2007. 3c (2) Safe Communities Foundation New Zealand

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