Why we’re here
No one goes to work expecting to get hurt, sick or killed. But in New Zealand, far too many people do.
On average, 75 people per year die on the job, 1 in 10 is harmed and 600-900 die from work-related diseases—all coming at a cost of $3.5 billion per year. And that’s doesn’t count the social and psychological costs on the friends, family, loved ones and co-workers of those people hurt on the job.
We’re here to change that.
In 2013, government announced its Working Safer reform package, aimed at bringing down New Zealand’s workplace injury and death toll by 25 per cent by 2020. Perhaps the most important part of this is the new Health and Safety Reform Bill , which will make every workplace responsible for the health and safety of all workers.
Progress of the legislation
The Bill is currently before parliament. The Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee has a revised report back of 24 July 2015 and then the Bill will continue its progression through the parliamentary process. The Bill is on course to be passed in the second half of 2015. There will be adequate time of some months between when the Bill is passed and when it comes into force to make sure duty holders are aware of their responsibilities under the new law.
With the legislation still being finalised, we can’t answer every question yet, but this page will link you to the key information you need to know now. We’ll update it regularly to keep you informed.