WorkSafe’s health and safety inspectors have been carrying out proactive assessments in the wood product manufacturing sector, and early findings show there are clear opportunities for businesses to strengthen worker training and improve the safe use of machinery.

Manufacturing continues to be one of WorkSafe’s highest harm sectors. It accounts for more time off work injuries than any other sector, and it has the fifth-highest number of workplace deaths.

WorkSafe inspectors across the country are visiting wood product manufacturing businesses of all types – from toy makers to joiners and wood processors – through to the end of March.

These assessments focus on critical risks that cause serious harm, such as machine safety, worker exposure to toxic dust, fumes, and chemicals, as well as hazardous substances.

The aim is simple – to help businesses and workers better understand their health and safety responsibilities. Inspectors provide practical advice and guidance to businesses to support safer workplaces.

So far more than a quarter of businesses assessed have had improvement notices issued on machine guarding.

WorkSafe Area Manager Savio Valladares says the findings reflect ongoing challenges for the sector.

“Overall, it shows as a country how we’re dealing with the critical risk of machine guarding – is the machinery we’re exposing workers to fit for purpose and safe to use? It’s reflecting what we already know that machine guarding, and lockout processes are areas that are commonly not dealt with well.”

“Making work safer starts with the basics, like good worker training, solid supervision, proper guarding and maintenance of machinery, and controlling dusts and fumes. “

The sector, he adds, needs to make a concerted effort to improve worker safety.

“Injury rates in manufacturing have stayed the same or increased over the last decade, even as they have declined in other sectors.

“Machinery remains a common cause of acute harm. And some kaimahi / workers have high exposure to toxic dusts and fumes from production processes in workshops or factories.”

Where health and safety risks are identified, enforcement action might be required, such as a Prohibition and/or improvement notice, which set out what the business must do to make improvements. Inspectors will work with the business to help them meet their health and safety obligations.

But Savio Valladares says engagement is at the heart of these visits.

“We encourage businesses to make the most of the opportunity an assessment provides, to ask questions and get a clear sense of how their health and safety practices measure up.”

“Our inspectors have a lot of knowledge and practical resources to share.”

Last year, 73% of businesses visited by WorkSafe reported making health and safety improvements because of their interactions with WorkSafe.

WorkSafe’s website includes information on what to expect from an assessment and how to prepare.

The safe use of machinery good practice guide is also being reviewed to ensure it aligns with current legislation and reflects industry good practice, with input from the sector.

Businesses can subscribe to WorkSafe updates to stay informed about manufacturing related information

https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/home/subscriptions/