Election eve law change wrong on many counts

Media statement Friday, 24th October, 2008

Election eve law change wrong on many counts

Trevor Mallard's latest plan is to say everyone off work for seven days or more has suffered a serious harm injury, says Paul Jarvie, Health and Safety Manager for the Employers and Manufacturers Association (Northern).

"This is wrong in principle and timing," Mr Jarvie said.

"It's wrong to make changes to the health and safety laws unilaterally without Parliamentary scrutiny at any time let alone controversial changes such as this, and on the eve of the election.

"Serious harm cannot be judged simply by how long someone is away from work.

"Such a law change would open up employers to a floodgate of litigation.

"Under Mr Mallard's proposal an employer who has an employee off work for seven days or more would face a Department of Labour investigation and possible prosecution.

"The change in definition would be by Order in Council by the end of the year.

"All employers will back our call for Mr Mallard to state clearly he will not make any changes in the lead up to the election."

ENDS

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