
The comments from the health and safety roadshow will help mold the future of health and safety in New Zealand and boost the country’s economy, according to Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden.
According to Ms. van Velden, “New Zealand’s underperforming health and safety system could be costing this country billions.”
Productivity and economic growth can be supported by an efficient health and safety system. Rather than becoming bogged down in needless compliance or attempting to understand and navigate a maze of rules and regulations, I want to make sure that businesses and organizations are concentrating on fixing the issues that are harming their employees.
“The nationwide health and safety roadshows have opened my eyes greatly. The issues that companies, employees, and employers are reporting to me are common to many regions of the nation and many industries. It’s surprising how much agreement there is, and the grievances are genuine.
For instance, employers and employees discover discrepancies in WorkSafe’s guidelines. A recurring theme is that compliance is a major challenge for sole proprietorships and small enterprises, compared to larger companies that can hire specialized health and safety personnel. The expenses for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be exorbitant; they must account for both the monetary and labor expenditures.
“There is still work to be done, but I am thankful for the kindness and transparency of the Kiwis I have encountered throughout the nation in sharing their worries.”
Thus far, MBIE has received over 200 proposals, the majority of which are from companies with 100 or more people; small enterprises make up about 20% of the total.
The Minister expressed her continued interest in speaking with more small companies and those with health and safety responsibilities who rarely participate in government consultations.
“In New Zealand, small businesses, which comprise Kiwi family-owned enterprises and sole traders, account for 97% of all businesses.”
You still have time to submit online by going to MBIE’s website before 5pm 31 October, or by emailing [email protected].
“Your voice is an important part of shaping the future of our health and safety system,” said Ms van Velden.
The Minister has visited 11 towns and cities, attending 23 meetings and 15 site visits across the country.