Health & Safety

Health & Safety in the workplace… … First became a concern in the early 19th Century when the UK’s Factories Act appointed just four inspectors to regulate safety in more than 3000 child textile factories

Health & Safety today Every workplace in New Zealand has to abide by the regulations set down by the… …Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSEA)

HSEA Enforcement The Occupational Safety & Health Service (OSH) – part of the Dept of Labour  enforces the law through inspecting businesses

Benefits to employers According to research cited by the Dept of Labour, the productivity gains of maintaining high health and safety standards far outweigh the costs

HSEA 1992 requires employers to… Ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees by (among other things): Ensuring safe working conditions Providing protective clothing when necessary Ensuring equipment is safe and well-maintained

Employees must… Take reasonable care of their health and safety Co-operate with employers on health and safety measures Not misuse anything provided to improve their health and safety

Workstations Employers must make sure workstations are safe and effective to use … one employer improved productivity by 1000% within three months of improving workstations

Health & Safety: Summary Employers must: Carry out risk assessments Make sure employees report all faults and hazards Inform employees of first-aid procedures and the names of the first-aid persons in the company Have an accident book to report any occurrences Maintain health and safety guidelines Follow all health and safety workplace legislation and regulations

Workplace regulations Health and safety reporting Prevent pain and injury Workplace emergency planning Crisis management