New Zealand Unveils Snapshot Report of Workplace Safety

Better Business Outcomes Linked to Health/Safety Practices

Workplaces committed to integrating health and safety practices into their operations are more likely to enjoy better business outcomes according to a report released today by the New Zealand Department of Labour. “Health and safety investments in the workplace do not compete against investments in productivity,” says Craig Armitage, head of Workplace Health and Safety for the Department of Labour. “The two go hand-in-hand.”

The 2008-09 annual snapshot report on progress in achieving the Workplace Health and Strategy for New Zealand to 2015 demonstrates the varied ways workplaces throughout New Zealand are contributing to good progress in the three key areas of strategic focus
1. Government leadership and practices
2. Preventive workplace cultures
3. Industry leadership and community engagement

“What has become evident is that business leaders need to provide strong, proactive leadership to instill the importance of the health and safety process in their businesses,” Armitage said. “During the year, 120 business leaders met at the Leaders in Health and Safety Summit to consider ways to build a New Zealand workplace safety culture. A high powered, cross-industry group has also been formed, made up of chief executives who recognize the importance and value of healthy and safe workplaces. (workersxzcompxzkit)

“This business leaders’ forum is committed to driving workplace safety through their own organizations and demonstrating to others the value of doing so. They are focusing on practical steps to reduce the $16 billion annual cost of workplace injuries and illnesses.” The snapshot report can be found at www.whss.govt.nz/snapshot08-09/index.html.

Also during the year, there was an operational review of the Workplace Health and Safety Strategy for New Zealand to 2015, mandated when the strategy was launched in 2005. Armitage said the review’s findings confirm the strategy is soundly based. It also identifies new activity in areas with the potential to result in improvements in New Zealand’s health and safety performance. The review’s findings will be released before the end of the year.

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By: Anthony Van Gorp, private investigator with 25 years experience.

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