Darien
FENTON
Health and Safety Spokesperson

30 April 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Government must act on Taskforce recommendations

The Health and Safety Taskforce recommendations, released today, must be implemented by the Government without delay, says Darien Fenton, Labour's Health and Safety spokesperson.

"The hard-hitting report paints a picture of negligence driven by labour market and health and safety deregulation, as well as a disregard for workers' safety over several decades.

"The honest and in-depth analysis from the taskforce is compelling for anyone who believes that New Zealanders should have the right to go to work and return home safely.

"However, there is a disconnect between the report and the Government's intention to deregulate work rights further with its proposed Employment Relations Amendment Bill.

"The taskforce report talks at length about the importance of worker participation in health and safety, yet the bill would strip workers of more rights.

"Work rights are as important to the health and safety of employees as anything else.

"The sooner the government understands this and withdraws its amendments to workplace rights, the sooner we can get on with improving our horrific health and safety record,” Darien Fenton said.

ENDS

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