The first anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act – Did occupational Health & safety in NZ improve?

Worksafe Smart, Health and Safety Consultant for the Nelson, Richmond and Blenheim region. Health and Safety policies, manuals, management plans, training, reviews, audits, advice and more.

The new NZ Health & Safety legislation came into force just over a year ago. But, did the attitude towards safety improve in NZ? Survey says: Yes! Safeguard Magazine just completed their annual ‘State of the nation’ – survey. 78% of respondents believe health and safety is taken seriously, a substantial increase from the 67% who felt the same way last year.

Responses to almost all questions showed improvement from last year, but three areas of concern have been highlighted. Only 48% of respondents felt confident that the health of workers is taken seriously, and only 46% think that organisations view health & safety as an opportunity to improve rather than just to comply with the law.

Sadly, the survey also shows declining confidence in the competency of H&S professionals. What might be the reason? Well, here in NZ you can become a occupational health and safety Consultant without having any kind of relevant qualification. And numerous unqualified consulting businesses popped up over the past twelve months.

Here is a tip: If your business needs the services of a H&S Consultant, you should ask for qualifications, for experience (preferably in a high risk environment), for samples of completed work, and for contact details of previous clients. Also ask if 24/7 support is provided. There is a good chance that you might need urgent advice after hours or on the weekend.

Do your homework, choose a competent consultant, and you will get proper advice!