The new workplace health and safety agency, Worksafe New Zealand, will be most welcome provided it comes with an entirely new organisation approach and culture, says Paul Jarvie, Health and Safety Manager for the Employers and Manufacturers Association.

“Businesses are pleased to see the start of the new direction and journey for workplace health and safety just announced,” Mr Jarvie said.

 “The Bill now before Parliament creates a new Crown agency dedicated to reducing harm in the workplace, and will take up many of the recommendations announced in the Workplace Task Force report in April this year.

 “But injuries and ill-health are preventable, and only with a new way of doing things will we achieve safer workplaces.

“Our members do not want business as usual, but rather a new invigorated, focused and modern regulator.

“Simply changing the name with the same products, people and services is not acceptable.

 “EMA sees this as a chance for business, Government and unions to collectively plan to achieve more productive and healthier workplaces.

 “We look forward to working with the new agency and being involved in ensuring New Zealand workplaces become safer.”