1a – Set high government expectations for workplace health and safety in New Zealand and ensure that regulatory standards are achieved

The OHS industry, supported by the Safeguard OHS Qualifications Survey, indicated a strong interest in developing qualifications and professional standards for health and safety practitioners.

In response, DoL has contracted work to consider existing international and national professional development models, training and qualifications available in New Zealand and Australia, the advantages of OHS professional standards in New Zealand and the issues affecting standards development, as well as the role DoL could take.

1a

DoL

A joint agency liaison group established to progress implementation of the Hazardous Substances Compliance and Enforcement Strategy has continued to meet. Areas of focus for agency efforts on the HSNO Act compliance and enforcement have been identified. Resource integration has also been a focus. This forum serves as an opportunity for different agencies to report back on the projects that relate to HSNO enforcement.

1a (7)

ERMA NZ, MfE, DoL, MoH

ERMA NZ provided seven training workshops for test certifiers in 2007/08. Attendees included test certifiers, enforcement agencies and industry representatives. Training courses were also held for enforcement officers from various agencies.

1a (7)

ERMA NZ

This year, the WHSC considered a wide range of health and safety issues and met with key agencies with health and safety responsibilities. Over the next year, the Council will use this knowledge and will engage with stakeholders on the best ways to improve health and safety in New Zealand.

1a (1)–(7)

DoL

The draft Workplace Health and Safety Implementation Road Map was developed to assist the phased implementation of the WHSS and to stimulate discussion across stakeholders to identify the big issues for workplace health and safety in New Zealand.

A stakeholder engagement process is being developed for 2008/09 to prioritise the issues, inform potential indicators and strengthen the Road Map’s links to the WHSS.

1a (1)

DoL

Government agencies have continued work in a number of policy areas aimed at improving the key legislative frameworks for workplace health and safety, including the HSE Act and the HSNO Act. Focus areas for this year have included:

• developing proposals to amend the HSNO Act to better align it with the HSE framework, as identified during the Government’s Quality Regulation Review
• developing proposals to amend the HSE Act to strengthen New Zealand’s conformity with ILO Convention 155 on Occupational Safety and Health
• reviewing the definition of serious harm in the HSE Act
• consulting on proposals to improve the HSE (Mining Underground) Regulations
• consulting on proposals to amend the HSE (Pressure Equipment, Cranes and Passenger Ropeways) Regulations
• developing policy proposals for HSNO Act infringement notices
• reviewing stakeholder views on the management of asbestos in New Zealand under the HSE (Asbestos) Regulations
• reviewing outdated regulations made under previous legislation superseded by the HSE Act or by current guidelines.

1a

DoL, MfE

DoL has been working to improve the focus and structure of its enforcement activities to be more effective, efficient and consistent. DoL’s enforcement role has been reviewed, and a strategy to guide workplace interventions has been developed in consultation with social partners and stakeholders.

An internal Prosecution Panel has also been established to pilot an approach to review the prosecution cases taken by DoL. The Panel has identified a range of issues relating to investigation practice, the role of managers in supporting staff, client engagement and organisational support. 

1a

DoL

A number of industry or activity-based health and safety guidance documents have been developed and implemented, including guidelines for the manufacturing industry and a sawmill health and safety guide. The report How to implement safer work practices (ACC 366) has been reviewed. A review and proposed revision of the VDU code of practice has begun, and a range of training and other guidance material for WHSS priority sectors has been developed.

1a

ACC

DoL consulted widely on the definition of “serious harm” this year in order to improve the coverage and its consistency with the HSE Act. A revision has been proposed.

1a

DoL

DoL promoted the Strategy through media articles, promotional material and inter-agency meetings, including:

• development of the workplace health and safety “Stop Think Do” message used in recent promotions
• a feature article in Farmers Weekly and weather-related safety messages on the Met Service website
• the “Grim Harvest” campaign, raising awareness of health and safety for agricultural workers in summer and autumn – this campaign will run for at least another two years.

1a (2)

DoL

A Chief Executives’ Injury Prevention Forum was established in February 2007 to support the progress of NZIPS – the strategic framework for all injury prevention activity in New Zealand. The Forum provides strategic integration of government injury prevention activities and works towards enhancing collaboration in the injury prevention sector.

1a

ACC

National priority area: airborne substances
DoL commissioned a literature review to identify priority and control issues and workshops held with private consultants, employer and union representatives and health and safety inspectors. The information gathered from these activities will be used to inform projects in the coming year.

DoL also commissioned a pilot project to survey exposure to airborne substances in the clothing and footwear sector. At an operational level, health and safety inspectors have been given tools to address different airborne substance issues. Inspectors are now visiting workplaces using these tools as part of their normal inspection programmes, for example, assessing isocyanate exposure in the vehicle repair industry.

1a

DoL

National priority area: vulnerable workers
The health and safety of Pacific and young workers has been a significant focus for the programme in 2007/08. Initiatives included the following:

• The Puataunofo Manukau project, established in Manukau City to raise Pacific workers and Pacific youth awareness of their health and safety rights in manufacturing companies. The goal of the project is to build a Pasifika workforce informed about health and safety issues, a reduction in workplace injuries and improved literacy amongst workers. This project continues in collaboration with Manukau City Council, DoL, MPIA, ACC, EPMU, EMA, CTU and Pasifika workers and employers.
• Pacific worker workshops were held in the Samoan language. Employers provided the venue and supported their staff to attend. Agencies, union and employer associations ensured resources were available to support the community initiative.
• Key health and safety and employment messages were provided in comic format at the ASB Polyfest.
• In April 2008, DoL launched a health and safety song competition on NiuFM. The winner, Hokimaianahera Rosieur, composed a song for young people to relate to. This song will be promoted to schools as part of a package of resources for teaching students about workplace safety and will be used by DoL for future promotional work.
• Health and safety factsheets have been translated into Samoan, Tongan and Māori.
• MPIA continues 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.
• DoL has examined placing duties on principals of young people doing contract work, similar to those already applying to employers of young employees. This proposal will restrict young people under 15 who are working as independent contractors from working in hazardous workplaces or doing hazardous work.

1a

DoL, MPIA

Development of a rail safety strategy is underway in consultation with stakeholders to further improve rail safety. This work will include determining successful rail safety interventions and examining further steps that may reduce rail trauma. The strategy will be released in December 2008.

1a (2)

MoT

MoT released an inter-agency driver fatigue strategy to combat driver fatigue. The strategy has been developed by MoT, Police, LTNZ, Transit, ACC and DoL at the request of the National Road Safety Committee.

The strategy works to ensure that there is a collaborative approach to future policy initiatives, promotion and delivery of driver fatigue counter-measures within and between agencies in the wider transport sector. It includes use of a high profile television advertising campaign urging New Zealanders to wake up to the warning signs of driver fatigue. For more information see: www.transport.govt.nz/assets/NewPDFs/DriverStrategicFrameworkamend3.pdf

1a

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 occupational noise.

Revised plans for 2008/09 extend the range of materials offered to support work in these specific areas and other core parts of workplace health and safety. The 2008/09 plan offers regional offices the opportunity to work on projects on a number of topics, such as asbestos, carbon monoxide, spray painting/solvents, wood dust, welding, abrasive blasting, linear board, nail bars, hairdressing, straddle neck, stress, monitoring, leptospirosis and shiftwork.         

Recent project work has included the following:

• Musculoskeletal disorders – Research by Massey University sponsored by DoL found that 97 percent of veterinarians who responded to a web-based survey had had some sort of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) in the last 12 months. In addition, 57 percent and 17 percent respectively had to alter their daily activities or take time off work in the last 12 months because of an MSD.
• Development of distance-based learning modules for local exhaust ventilation and vibration.
• Gathering case studies to inform the Department’s work on bullying.
• Leptospirosis – A pilot project is in its initial stages.

1a

DoL

Recently, four Notifiable Occupational Disease System (NODS) panels have been added to the existing three.

There are now NODS panels for:

• asbestos
• chemicals and solvents
• musculoskeletal
• zoonoses and infections
• noise and physical hazards
• psychosocial
• dermatology.

Panels will look for ways to:

• increase the number of NODs referrals
• improve our ability to manage cases through increased capability and capacity
• make connections with frontline inspectors.

As well as assessing individual cases, the panels will review new information, provide teaching and guidance and conduct some research. The new panels will also provide greater support and expertise to assist assessment, interpretation and management of health cases.

1a, 1c

DoL

NOHSAC’s report Review of the key characteristics that determine the efficacy of OHS instruments: Report to the Minister of Labour was released this year. The report sets out to review the efficacy of OHS instruments in the form of approved codes of practice and guidance material. See www.nohsac.govt.nz.

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

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

The workplace exposure standards (WES) for New Zealand for the following substances are being reviewed with a view to lower the current value:

• Asbestos (chrysotile)
• Benzene
• Blood lead
• Formaldehyde
• Methyl bromide
• Respirable quartz
• Synthetic vitreous fibres
• Wood dust.

The proposed changes will go to stakeholder consultation, and it is hoped that an updated WES document will be available at the end of 2008.

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 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

• CAA is considering how to develop CAA auditors and inspectors in order to spread the CAA HSE activity across a wider front of CAA employees, thereby getting greater exposure to HSE issues across the aviation industry. It has identified potential training and development. Activities include:
• HSE training for CAA auditors
• an inspection questionnaire to support the current documentation audit questionnaire
• review of the documentation audit questionnaire to better align its contents with ACC audit tool and AS/NZS 4801
• specific ‘cabin inspector’ training.

1a

CAA

• A Ministerial review of regulatory frameworks – the Quality Regulation Review, led by MED – concluded in July 2007.
• 
  One component of the review was a project to improve the interface between the HSE, HSNO and IPRC Acts as they affect businesses. A summary of findings was published at the end of the project. It highlighted three broad areas for improvements: 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 ongoing work programmes, including the following:
• ACC reviewed the auditing methods used for the ACC Partnership Programme.
• ERMA and DoL developed information and tools to assist HSNO compliance in the farming and horticulture industries.
• ERMA produced HSNO compliance information for the embalming industry, paint industry and service stations.
• DoL developed an online hazard self assessment tool – Hazard Builder – for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). See www.dol.govt.nz/onlinetools/index.asp.
• DoL is reviewing its enforcement role and has published an enforcement policy statement to inform operational policy for the health and safety inspectorate. This work has coincided with the establishment of a Prosecution Panel to review its approach to prosecution cases. The Department is now working through a process to implement the findings of this review
• DoL has published guidelines for principals to contracts to help them meet the requirements of the HSE Act.
•  
• 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)

MED, DoL, ACC, ERMA NZ, MfE

DoL and MoH are jointly leading the development of an occupational disease surveillance system for New Zealand.

Currently, government agencies rely on notifications to administrative databases for surveillance data. For an individual case to be recorded, this system relies on a work link being established and a notification made.

The 2005 NOHSAC report Surveillance of occupational disease and injury in New Zealand: Report to the Minister of Labour recommended moving to a conceptual surveillance system. DoL and MoH have since formed an expert group to set priorities for occupational disease surveillance.

The expert group considered how best to reduce reliance on notifications as a means of surveillance. Agencies are taking steps to improve notifications so individual cases can be investigated and any necessary interventions in workplaces can occur.

1a

DoL, MoH

DoL has developed a strategic approach to health and safety enforcement. Implementing the new approach will continue over the next 18 months.

In April, DoL released Keeping Work Safe – How the Department of Labour Enforces the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. The statement is aimed at helping those with duties under the HSE Act to better understand our approach to enforcement activities and decision-making. While the statement is primarily focused on external parties (such as businesses, workers and other interested parties), it will also help align DoL’s internal policies and operational practices.

1a

DoL

ACC promotes participation in ACC workplace incentive programmes and encourages higher involvement by government employers.

1b (1)–(5)

ACC

Government agency participation in the Accredited Employer Programme (AEP) and Workplace Safety Management Practices (WSMP) has been maintained over the year.

1b (1)–(5)

ACC

1b – Provide leadership in workplace health and safety through the government’s role as an employer and purchaser

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’s Government Leadership Programme aims to involve government as leaders and champions of health and safety practice and procurement in their operations. DoL has a Socially Sustainable Procurement Programme of work that focuses on encouraging the public sector to procure products or services from suppliers who have socially and ethically responsible labour practices. This programme is aligned to the MED’s Sustainable Procurement Framework.

Under WHSS, DoL is developing specific health and safety procurement guidance:

• Section 18 of the HSE Act – clarifying roles and responsibilities for principals and contractors.
• The government safer light vehicles procurement project.
• Promoting employment in older workers – DoL contractors working with key stakeholders found that many parties are interested in this issue. Many want to be further involved in health and safety issues. It is planned to invite key stakeholders to an informal discussion to gauge activity, support and interest.
• The cleaning sector – DoL has been building on the principles document and investigating how to advance the sustainability of the cleaning sector from the viewpoint of the health and safety of cleaners. A research programme has found that many principals in the sector are very aware of the issue, are working on it and want advice about it. DoL is considering its response now that the report is complete.

The main recommendations of the report are:

• an overarching strategy, clearly stating best practice methods and procedures for health and safety in the cleaning industry, is needed
• the co-operative manner of development of the principles for a sustainable property services industry could be continued in the development of these guidelines.

In addition, DoL is also leading a whole-of-government workplace vehicles working group that was set up to inform the National Road Strategy to 2020. Agencies involved include ACC, NZ Transport Agency and CVIU.

1b (1)-(5)

DoL

In May, 2008, a partnership agreement was signed between ACC, Site Safe New Zealand and DoL to agree on a framework for a strategic relationship for effective health and safety planning in the construction industry. The organisation agreed common goals for the construction industry are:

• to achieve and maintain zero fatalities annually
• to achieve at least a 10 percent reduction in construction workplace injury rates annually through to 2010
• to achieve an industry-wide positive safety culture.

An implementation group will meet quarterly to develop and monitor the effective implementation of the agreement.

1c

DoL, ACC, Site Safe

DoL and ACC commissioned research for a common understanding of the risk landscape and intervention logic to reduce the work toll. The recommendations have been received and will be used to inform work going forward.

1a, 1c (1)–(6)

DoL, ACC

CAA have established and led an inter-agency health and safety focus group that shares HSE information and experiences among agencies at the inspector/auditor level. A successful first year included two meetings, and these will continue.

1c

CAA

ERMA NZ undertook a review of the framework used for monitoring the effectiveness of the HSNO Act. Discussions were held with other agencies on how to share data more effectively.

1c (6)

ERMA NZ

ERMA NZ met regularly with DoL to develop enforcement priorities. These included:

• training and enforcement officers
• providing compliance information and guidance for specific industry sectors
• development of codes of practice
• identifying areas where compliance could be improved
• improvement of data collection for reporting purposes.

1c (4)

ERMA NZ, DoL

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 develop a joint work programme for the 2008/09 year and beyond. Noise is being prioritised as an operational activity for inspectors and ACC injury prevention staff in 2008/09 with an aim to get better control at source.

1c (2), (3), (4) and (6)

DoL, ACC

1c – Improve co-ordination and alignment of government agency roles and activities

DoL and MoH have been co-leading a project to develop an occupational disease surveillance system for New Zealand. Currently, government agencies rely on notifications to administrative databases for surveillance data. Under this system, incidence of disease is not counted if a work link is not established and no notification is made. The 2005 NOHSAC report Surveillance of occupational disease and injury in New Zealand: Report to the Minister of Labour recommended moving to a conceptual surveillance system, where an expert group prioritises diseases for surveillance, and methods are developed to gather data on the incidence and prevalence of the priority work-related diseases.

DoL and MoH have since formed an expert group to set priorities for occupational disease surveillance. DoL is aiming to reduce reliance on notifications as a means of surveillance, and steps are being taken to try to improve the level of notifications so that individual cases can be investigated and any necessary interventions in workplaces can occur.

1c (2) and (4)

DoL, MoH

ACC and DoL are collaborating on research on noise-induced hearing loss. A major piece of epidemiological research commissioned into the incidence and prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss began in July 2007. Auckland University is contracted to complete this work by 2010. Interim findings will be progressively incorporated into injury prevention activity as they become available.

1c (4)

ACC, DoL

LTNZ, ACC, MoT and NZ Police are working to improve the safety of New Zealand’s vehicle fleet. Various initiatives as part of the campaign have been running, including a series of workshops on work-related road safety run by the AA Driver Education Foundation in March 2008. The workshops were attended by over 250 people.

1c

LTNZ, ACC, MoT, Police

Rail safety legislation was amended in 2005 to clarify its relationship to the HSE Act. Implementation and assessment of safety cases that have emerged, as well as associated audits, will continue.  

1c (2)

LTNZ

2a – Increase the recognition among business owners, directors and senior managers that health and safety benefits business

ACC carried out research into awareness and understanding of health and safety responsibilities in key industry sectors. This focused on better understanding business attitudes to health and safety, the steps employers are taking in this field and any barriers to effective health and safety practice.

2a (1)–(4)

ACC

A small employer/self-employed incentive scheme was deployed in 2006/07 in targeted industry sectors. The Workplace Safety Discounts scheme provides levy discounts for small businesses that are able to demonstrate effective health and safety practice. The discount scheme underwent an operational review in mid-2007, and a number of improvements have been made to the training and assessment processes. The waste management industry was added to the programme from 1 April 2008.

2a (1)–(3)

ACC

Throughout the year, ACC has continued to develop relationships with key industry sectors through the Priority Industry forums and directly to larger employers.

2a (1)–(3)

ACC

DoL has released research to help understand how preventative safety culture influences safety performance and productivity. Health and Safety Makes Good Business Sense includes an international literature review and key informant interviews with nominated New Zealand businesses and workers. This provides an initial knowledge base on workplace culture and its relationship to health and safety performance. DoL has also developed a package of promotional materials including two DVD case studies to showcase how some businesses view the links between health, safety and productivity.

2a (1)–(3)

DoL

Shearing best practice guidelines were released this year after three years of development with industry representatives. The guidelines will help take care of the health of shearers as well as help businesses understand that good health and safety practices are good for business.

2a

DoL

DoL encouraged industry debate on safety culture and also built up a knowledge base of commissioned research and case studies on safety culture and how health and safety makes good business sense.

2a

DoL

The Safe Driving is Good Business programme of activity has been continued this year. LTNZ, ACC, DoL and MoT have updated and released the manual (available on the LTNZ website). 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 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

DoL developed the Hazard Handlertool to help businesses identify and manage both generic and industry-specific health and safety issues in the workplace. It is available at www.dol.govt.nz/onlinetools.

2b

DoL

ERMA NZ continues to develop guidance material that promotes the safe management of hazardous substances for priority sectors. Recent projects include:

• a test certification guide for builders’ merchants, in association with the New Zealand Retailers Association
• HSNO briefs for embalmers
• HSNO briefs for painters.

2b (1)–(3)

ERMA NZ

A generic emergency management flip chart has been prepared by ERMA NZ that can be tailored to a variety of industries and types of hazardous substances. This will be distributed via a variety of networks in 2008/09.

2b (1)

ERMA NZ

ERMA NZ published the following compliance guides during 2007/08:

• Your Guide to Selling Retail Fireworks.
• Managing Chemicals on Your Site – a joint publication with the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) and the Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand (IBANZ).
• SCUBA Cylinder Safety – prepared in partnership with the New Zealand Underwater Association (NZUA).

2b (1)–(3)

ERMA NZ

ERMA NZ, DoL and CAA ran a joint information stand at the 2008 Mystery Creek field days. The HSNO theme was safe agrichemical storage, and 2,500 information packs were distributed.

2b (1)

ERMA NZ, DoL, CAA

ERMA NZ continues to operate a free telephone contact service for hazardous substances enquiries, which provides guidance to support the safe management of chemicals in the workplace.

2b (1)

ERMA NZ, DoL, CAA

ERMA NZ has approved codes of practice for the preparation of safety data sheets and a product labelling and documentation guide.

2b (1)

ERMA NZ

ACC continues to support the health and safety awards section of the Westpac Business Excellence programme and the Leadership in Industry category within the Safeguard New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards.

2b

ACC

Maritime sector-wide health and safety guidelines have been trialled with MNZ and industry personnel in three workshops held in Timaru, Auckland and Nelson in May/June 2008. A technical trainer is being recruited to co-ordinate training and presentation of the resource through regional and local industry workshops. Selected MNZ staff will be trained to deliver the resource and follow up with one-on-one meetings with boat owners/operators.

2b (1)

MNZ

Work is underway to ascertain the requirements of the health and safety inspector role and the capability and upskilling needed to meet these requirements.

2b

DoL

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. ACC released a request for proposals in late 2007 to select preferred suppliers for the ongoing delivery of the training from 1 July 2008.

2c (1)–(5)

ACC

Under the Culture, Leadership and Forestry Pilot Project, DoL, ACC and PF Olsen Ltd are working with a group of forestry contractors to road-test how safety culture concepts can translate into real industry practice.

2c

DoL, ACC

3a – Develop and implement industry-led initiatives to improve workplace health and safety

ERMA NZ has worked closely with the NZ Timber Preservation Council to develop a code of practice to transit the timber treatment facilities into the new legislative requirements under HSNO.

3a

ERMA NZ

ERMA NZ has worked closely with IPENZ to train engineers responsible for bulk chemical tank design and installation on the new legislative requirements under HSNO.

3a (6)

ERMA NZ

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 is designed to incrementally improve each industry’s health and safety performance over time.

3a (1)–(8)

ACC

A number of new guidelines are to be developed with industry consultation including:

• the hang gliding Industry
• helicopter agricultural work.

3a (4)

CAA

Agricultural field day events were used to promote the guideline Farm airstrips and associated fertiliser cartage, storage and application.

3a (5)

CAA

Health and safety guidelines for the aquaculture industry have been developed in conjunction with industry.

3a (4)

MNZ

A tripartite health and safety group for the stevedoring industry has been established and continues to improve health and safety outcomes for the industry. Significant outputs to date include:

• a web2TXT system to facilitate communication between ports of unsafe issues on board vessels
• a pre-working ship safety checklist for use by surveyors to check vessels prior to discharge of cargo.

3a (5)

MNZ

Health and safety workshops, supplemented by a one-on-one mentoring system, are being delivered within the inshore fishing and aquaculture industries.

3a (4)

MNZ

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 provides funding to local authorities through the National Land Transport Programme under community focused activities for community initiatives, including issues regarding alcohol and fatigue – see www.ltsa.govt.nz/funding/nltp/2007/activity-community.html.

3a (4)

LTNZ

Site Safe has progressed three initiatives to deliver information on health and safety performance in relation to construction. These have contributed to clients’ contractor selection and management procedures. Site Safe has also developed a benchmarking audit system to assist construction companies to evaluate their health and safety performance against a range of criteria.

3a (3)

Site Safe

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. During 2007/08, “Sphere of Influence” plans have been developed by 18 councils. These councils actively promote injury prevention initiatives to their staff and their families and to contractors engaged in council work.

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

This year, Operate Safe – an approved accreditation regime for roading and civil contractors – has progressed a number of initiatives for health and safety, including :

• extension of training programmes – including the supervisors’ Silver Card
• a new communications strategy
• a free-to-members industry-specific set of training courses on current sector risks
• regional road shows.

3b

Operate Safe

ACC held its third Safety New Zealand week in 2007. 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

The inaugural Safe Communities Network day held in October 2007 was attended by representatives from 20 territorial local authorities (TLAs) involved with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Safe Community accreditation process. The purpose of the workshop was to facilitate information-sharing between communities that are designated International Safe Communities and those that are working towards designation.

During the 2007/08 year, 18 regional forums were held in the North Island. These forums have seen a steady increase in the number of attendees, including representatives from local businesses, community groups and government agencies.

3b, 3c

NZIPS, MoH

3c – Raise awareness and understanding of workplace health and safety in the wider community

MPIA continues to raise the profile of workplace health and safety amongst Pacific communities in New Zealand. MPIA has used its timeslot on the NiuFM Tongan and Niuean ethnic radio programme to communicate the work undertaken to address workplace health and safety issues for Pacific people. Articles in the July/August 2007 and February 2008 editions of the MPIA national newsletter highlighted MPIA’s collaborative efforts with other government agencies in implementing the strategy.

3c (1)

MPIA

ACC has developed and piloted a schools-based health and safety initiative that is delivered through TEC’s Gateway programme. 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 were occupationally-related road injuries, safety of families on farms, injuries associated with substance abuse across the community and initiatives associated with gradual process injury.

3c, 3b

ACC

SCFNZ worked with the Puataunofo Manukau project and schools to encourage the uptake of 500 Pacific Passports to Safety. Passports to Safety is a web-based, self-paced learning and test programme aimed at young people 15–24 years old who are preparing to enter the part-time/casual work force for the first time. The programme can be taken on an individual basis or as part of a co-ordinated approach through a range of avenues such as schools or workplaces, with an option to resit two years later. This programme highlights the individual’s rights and responsibilities regarding safety in the workplace, a method by which to address these issues, identification of hazardous situations, and generic handling and ergonomic requirements. See www.safecommunities.org.nz/p2s/gen.

3c (2)

SCFNZ

Police, DoL, Trents Wholesale Ltd and ACC have been working collaboratively to educate small businesses through workshops and DoL site visits about preventing the risk of armed robbery.

This project has so far reached 97 people representing 70 businesses in Christchurch, Ashburton and Kaikoura. Feedback from attendees was largely positive, many committing to take what they learned from the workshop and make changes to their practices.

The initiative has also been run in Auckland recently, and there is discussion about enlarging the scope further as a joint DoL/ACC/Police project.

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NZ Police, DoL, Trents Wholesale Ltd, ACC