English
NEW GUIDE TO HELP BUSINESSES PREPARE FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY REFORM IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand
Businesses can get a head start on complying with the new health and safety laws expected to come into effect in New Zealand later this year.
New Zealand is currently reviewing the Health and Safety Reform Bill, which aims to reduce the country’s high rates of workplace accidents and death.
A briefing paper written by Minter Ellison Rudd Watts and commissioned by the International SOS Foundation outlines what the changes will mean for companies and what areas of their processes and policies should to be reviewed.
Michael Gardner, Regional Managing Director for International SOS, said:
“The Reform Bill has a strong emphasis on prevention and accountability – it essentially legalises a company’s duty of care to its employees.
While the focus is on workplace safety in New Zealand, companies with expatriate staff living overseas and frequent business travellers need to consider how these laws may be applied to incidents that occur beyond our borders.
People travelling for work must be afforded the same duty of care as those in your office or worksite at home in regards to preventing exposure to health or safety risks.”
The new Bill follows on from other reforms in the health and safety arena such as the introduction of WorkSafe New Zealand, the new health and safety regulator.
Key reforms under consideration include:
• Introduction of a single duty category entitled “persons conducting a business or undertaking” broadening the current definitions.
• Removal of the distinction between employees, contractors and other workers.
• Requirement to take “reasonably practicable steps” to ensure the safety of workers.
• Introduction of a new and comprehensive duty on directors and officers to exercise due diligence.
• Personal responsibility of directors and officers for ensuring due diligence is undertaken with harsher penalties including fines of up to $3 million for companies and $600,000 for individuals, and up to five years imprisonment for individuals.
Mr Gardner continued:
“Company directors and officers should now be thinking what they need to do to comply with the new legislation when it comes into force.
Practicable steps include reviewing and updating existing internal policies and processes, and considering whether you’re doing all you can be to ensure the health and safety of your business travellers. Don’t wait until the last minute because policies take time to implement.”
Key figures
– There were 51 workplace fatalities in 2013 in New Zealand1
– 1 in 10 workers are injured each year2
– Around 200,000 ACC claims made each year for costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses2
– Workplace injuries and illnesses cost an estimated $3.5 billion each year (almost 2% of New Zealand’s GDP)3
Download the paper here.
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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/
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
1. http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/research/health-and-safety-data/summary-of-fatalities-2007-2013
2. http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/health/injuries/InjuryStatistics_HOTP11.aspx
