Businesses flag 'several significant issues' in the bill
Reforms to New Zealand's work health and safety law and regulations has passed the first reading, as businesses warn about "several significant issues" that can introduce problems in the future.
The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill aims to strengthen Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) and clarify the function of workplace safety regulator WorkSafe.
Under the bill, ACOPs will serve as compliance "safe harbours," meaning businesses need only meet the ACOP for their sector to satisfy health and safety obligations.
The bill also recasts WorkSafe as a body that focuses on providing guidance on the critical risks workplaces must address, rather than expecting employers to immediately manage every conceivable hazard.
"Today is a win for practical, common-sense changes that will set businesses up for success in keeping people safe," said Workplace Safety Minister Brooke van Velden in a statement.
"This new focus will make WorkSafe a more consistent and helpful agency, so that businesses can get the support they need to keep workers safe, without wasting resources on external consultants or excessive paperwork compliance."
The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) of New Zealand said they support the bill, but flagged several issued that may lead to "unintended consequences."
"Overall, we support the Bill's intent," said Paul Jarvie, EMA Manager of Employment Relations and Safety, in a...
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