English
NEW GUIDE HELPS COMPANIES UNDERSTAND AND COMPLY WITH HEALTH & SAFETY LAWS IN NEW ZEALAND
NEW ZEALAND
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More than one-third of companies said complying with legal obligations of Duty of Care is their biggest challenge
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42% of companies reported needing support to understand their legal obligations regarding Duty of Care1
Local companies unsure of how to comply with New Zealand’s new Health and Safety laws now have access to a comprehensive guide developed by International SOS, Business New Zealand and Minter Ellison Rudd Watts.
The resource outlines the new Health and Safety At Work Act, which came into effect on 4 April 2016. The guide provides recommendations to companies to help ensure they meet the new requirements to demonstrate Duty of Care to all employees – including contractors.
International SOS Country Manager for New Zealand, Bryony Simms, said:
“These are the biggest reforms to workplace health and safety in New Zealand in over 20 years, and many companies will find they have to make changes to their policies and procedures to be compliant. Our goal was to provide some best practices to help them navigate through the new laws.”
A recent travel and travel risks survey conducted by International SOS and Business NZ highlighted the extent to which many local businesses were not adequately prepared for the impact of the new Health and Safety legislation. Many of the companies surveyed said they needed help understanding their Duty of Care obligations (42%), while one-third indicated they would have challenges in complying with the new legislation.
“The changes are particularly relevant to companies that send staff or contractors overseas on business, or who have expatriate staff living abroad, as the same Duty of Care must be extended to all staff, regardless of their location.”
“To support companies trying to navigate these changes, International SOS has partnered with Business New Zealand and Minter Ellison Rudd Watts to create a practical guide, which includes a check list of what to review and action,” she said.
International SOS advises companies not to focus only on high-profile, high-impact events like terrorist attacks when conducting risk assessments, because the more likely threats to personal safety abroad are more common occurrences like road accidents, and petty crime.
“More often than not it’s every day events that lead people to needing medical or security assistance. In 2015, the top three safety and security risks that impacted business travellers were road accidents (17%), natural disasters (16%) and petty crime (15%), while only five per cent were impacted by terrorism,” Ms Simms said.
“It is extremely important that risk assessments are based on the destination and individual traveller, and not just perceived risk,” she said.
Information seminars for staff that now have Duty of Care responsibilities will be held throughout New Zealand in the coming months.
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June 23, 2016
Panel:
Paul McKay, BusinessNZ
Emma Warden, MinterEllison
Bryony Hardy, International SOS
Auckland
June 20, 2016
Panel:
Paul McKay, BusinessNZ
Emma Warden, MinterEllison
Bryony Hardy, International SOS
For more information or to download a copy of the guide click here.
1Traveller Health, Security & Safety study, New Zealand is an International SOS Foundation survey conducted among 80 professionals in New Zealand, mainly working in HSE, HR, General Management, Travel and Risk. The research was conducted online during the period 7 March 2016 to April 7 2016. The survey asked respondents about international travel preparation, destinations, medical and personal safety issues experienced abroad in 2015 as well as the expected impact of travel risks in 2016.
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com
About International SOS Foundation
Established in 2011, the International SOS Foundation ― Ambassadors for Duty of Care www.internationalsosfoundation.org – has the goal of improving the safety, security, health and welfare of people working abroad or on remote assignments through the study, understanding and mitigation of potential risks. The escalation of globalisation has enabled more individuals to work across borders and in unfamiliar environments; exposure to risks which can impact personal health, security and safety increases along with travel.
The Foundation is a registered charity and was started with a grant from International SOS. It is a fully independent, non-profit organisation.
For more information on Duty of Care and the International SOS Foundation, please visit http://www.internationalsosfoundation.org/
