WorkSafe New Zealand

Extreme care must be taken when working near overhead power lines.    We’ve recently prosecuted three companies which had workers killed or injured through poor risk management near overhead lines.    Read more about the cases and our guidance: https://lnkd.in/gqPMsgeC

Great progress can be made when we work collaboratively with businesses. Recently, we visited a panel beater in Hamilton that was operating with some poor practices. Our inspector Thomas worked with the business owners to make some changes.  “They’ve made positive changes, including small, low-cost ones such as changing where they work to be more in the open air, how they store the paints and chemicals, and protecting power points and exposed power supplies from being potential sources of ignition.” We’re grateful that the business owners were honest about what their knowledge gaps were and open to working with us to make their work safer.  We're not always going to visit a business and demand major, high-cost changes. Often, you can improve the safety of a business with a few small, targeted changes. Part of what our inspectors do is offer their expertise to work with businesses to make improvements. We know it can be daunting when we visit your business but at the end of the day, we all have the same goal – to make sure you make it home safely from work.  “They really want this business to be a success and as part of that they really want to look after their own health and safety. It’s a really great result.”

Working with industry, we’ve recently set restricted entry intervals (REIs) for 101 substances. These protect workers and others from being exposed to harmful levels of pesticides. Alongside these, we’ve published a quick guide to REIs for pesticides which outlines responsibilities for businesses. The new REIs won’t come into force until 10 June 2025, giving you plenty of time to implement these. You can see the full list of REIs and the accompanying quick guide on our website. https://lnkd.in/g4YGrjYE

We had 31 notifications of trench collapses in three years that could have or did cause death or serious injury. We're working with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board on the importance of safe trench digging and the excavation safety guidelines. “These cases are a reminder of how easily and how quickly ground collapse can happen,” says our investigation manager, Danielle Henry.   “We recommend ongoing professional development so drainlayers can stay on top of best practice for trench safety. If you’re hiring, be sure to look beyond the person’s certification and test for competence. It’s not enough to just assume that because a person has the paperwork that their practice is up to scratch.”

Leptospirosis is the most common work-related infectious disease in New Zealand. It can result in hospitalisation, long-term illness, or even death.     People usually catch leptospirosis from exposure to the urine of infected animals. The people most at risk are those who come into close contact with animals and are exposed to their urine, body fluids or flesh, especially in wet environments. We've updated our leptospirosis guidance for those working in close contact with animals and anyone visiting rural/farming areas. New online learning modules are also available, as well as a printable one-page info sheet with key points for workers. https://lnkd.in/gwcSG6Rp

This Asbestos Awareness Week we sat down with Garrett Davidson, the Operations Manager at The Floor Store Commercial, to talk about how they tackle asbestos. “We’re well aware of the dangers of asbestos and we don’t take any risks. If in doubt, we stop everything and get it tested. We’d much rather be safe than sorry. I’m lucky our Managing Director, Joe, is so supportive of health and safety. He’s made it really clear that the responsibility comes from the top down and we need to look after our men on the front lines.” As Operations Manager, Garrett runs a tight ship when it comes to health and safety. It’s his job to make sure the safety and wellbeing of his team is the priority. The processes and policies around asbestos are laid out in their asbestos management plan and clearly communicated to the team on the ground. “You have to have a clear, strict process when dealing with stuff as dangerous as this. Sometimes you get people saying you’re taking it too seriously but we’re talking about the health and safety of my team – of course I’m going to take it seriously.” This Asbestos Awareness Week, we’re making it easier for you to take asbestos seriously. Check out our updated guidance on asbestos in your workplace and our asbestos management plan example and template: https://lnkd.in/ggpPbi7K 

WorkSafe is consulting on proposed guidelines for managing psychosocial risks at work. We previously consulted on this in 2023, and feedback suggested changes were required which we have used to help refine this latest version.    Psychosocial risks at work cause harm to workers’ physical and mental health and must be managed effectively by businesses. Anyone is welcome to provide feedback. We are particularly interested in receiving feedback from small business owners.   Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 29 November 2024. https://lnkd.in/gTV4ibsf

23-year-old Jake Duncan was killed when a stuck log came loose and hurtled towards him at high speed on a Hawke’s Bay forestry block.   Our investigation found an uncommon practice known as plugging and bridging was the reason why the log turned into a deadly weapon.   This tragedy highlights the need for forestry businesses to have up-to-date, site-specific safety plans. Read more about the prosecution: https://lnkd.in/g8JW62fk

Asbestos Awareness Week reminder: if in doubt, get an expert in. If you’re unlicensed, you can only remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos (asbestos fibres bonded into another material) over a whole project or site. This rule is to keep you and your workers safe from asbestos exposure. If there’s more than 10 metres squared, or if there’s friable asbestos (flaky or powdery asbestos fibres), you’ll need to get a licensed removalist in. We know it can be costly and time-consuming, but it’s not worth risking your and your workers’ health and safety. If in doubt, get an expert in. You can see the database of licensed removalists on our website: https://lnkd.in/gkhvj5Tr

Asbestos exposure is Aotearoa’s number one workplace killer. Around 220 people die each year from preventable asbestos-related disease. The airborne fibres are so small they’re invisible to the naked eye, and can cause harm when breathed in. There are no safe levels of exposure.  The dangers are widely known, so there are no excuses for not managing asbestos safely. Learn how to protect yourself and others at https://lnkd.in/gkWRhKgP