Has the new legislation managed to reduce the number of workplace deaths in New Zealand? In short, the answer is no.
The updated Health and Safety legislation issued a year ago was
designed to make workplaces safer and prevent workplace deaths. But
despite the new legislations and the tightened regulations, seven people
have died in workplace related accidents within a recent three-week
period.
What is causing it? Could these deaths be prevented? Let’s explore what is happening.
A Change in Perspective
Now that we have very strong legislation in place to support the safety of our nation’s workers, we need to shift the mindset of the workers to fall in line with the legislation. All the regulations in the world will not help if the behaviours in the workplace don’t change.
Health and Safety is at the front of employer’s minds now – people are more aware of the importance of safety practices. Now the challenge is to translate that awareness to safer workplace behaviours.
Systems are being implemented to manage the risks to workers, but often the same tasks are still being performed in the same ways. A key example is the use of dangerous items like quad bikes and tractors in the farming sector. Farmers are aware of the risks, but are still required to perform the same high risk activities and they are effectively completing them in the same way they always have.
What Is the Solution?
You need to focus on the activities that are the most dangerous at your workplace. Regardless of what the legislation says, only you know the high risk areas at your place. Ensure that you have safe practices in place for these particular areas and activities.
The most integral part of the process is ensuring that your team members are fully aware of those practices. Provide them with the tools to keep themselves safe at work and then monitor how they are following the practices.
New Zealand has come a long way where Health and Safety is concerned. Now it is time to match the everyday practices to the protective legislation.
If you need some help with devising your Health and Safety Plan or monitoring Health and Safety at your workplace, then check out CloudmyStaff’s [http://www.cloudmystaff.com/our-services/] online tools. We help you record all the information you need when it comes to workplace safety.
Looking for more personalized assistance? Then our expert Health and Safety Consultants can help you with advice tailored specifically to your workplace.
