PrintNZ sees H and S reforms on the way

PrintNZ will run seminars around the country in August and September to update members about the contents of new legislation changing health and safety requirements for businesses.

Ruth Cobb, general manager for PrintNZ, says the seminars will help members learn what they need to do to prepare for the new regulations. She says, “H&S is a critical area of employment law which can carry strong penalties if an accident happens in the workplace. Negligence or ignorance of the law will not be a good-enough defence for any employer.

“It is vital that people follow the changes that are in the pipeline and prepare themselves and their workplace to fit with the new requirements. There could be a lot of money at stake if you are not prepared.”

Paul Jarvie, industrial relations safety manager with the Employers and Manufacturers Association, has already provided information about the changes mooted in the Health and Safety Reform Bill at this year PrintNZ Conference.

He expects the new law to take effect around April 2015. The reforms aim to protect workers and others by eliminating or minimising risk. The Bill’s authors believe the country can achieve this via such measures as increased communication and co-operation between all stakeholders, heightened scrutiny of the actions of duty holders and establishment of a framework for continuous improvement.

In the aftermath of the Pike River disaster, the government has released figures showing that an average 75 people die in the workplace in this country each year and between 600-700 die from occupational diseases.

More details about the new legislation can be found in the upcoming August issue of New Zealand Printer magazine.

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