Health and Safety Guideline for Directors Launches

Health and Safety Guideline for Directors Launches

Labour Minister, Simon Bridges officially launched a health and safety guideline for directors titled ‘Good Governance Practices Guideline for Managing Health and Safety Risks’ at a function in Wellington on Monday.

The guideline was produced by the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in response to the key findings and recommendations laid out in the final report of the Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal Mine Tragedy.

IoD Chief Executive, Ralph Chivers says, “Directors are responsible for ensuring that all areas of risk within their organisation are appropriately assessed and that plans to mitigate and address those risks are effectively put in place. There is no area of risk with greater consequences than health and safety; sometimes people’s lives depend on the board getting it right. This guideline is an essential resource in helping directors to ensure those risks are addressed effectively.”

“We encourage all directors to take the time to read this guideline and reflect on whether they are doing everything that they can and should be doing in the area of health and safety. The guideline contains information on responsibilities and roles as well as supporting tools such as case studies, diagnostic questions and a checklist which are designed to help directors with that reflection.”

“Ensuring that all directors have a clear understanding of their health and safety responsibilities is vital. This guideline is one step in that process. As part of the IoD’s commitment to supporting the guideline and ensuring effective health and safety governance in New Zealand, throughout June and July we will be running a series of health and safety workshops around the country for our members,” says Mr Chivers.

In addition to the guideline, a summary document and supporting tools are available at www.iod.org.nz

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