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HARMfree: Free, Practical, And Making A Real Difference

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Two years ago, the New Zealand Trucking Association launched the HARMfree Transport & Logistics Program to lift health, safety, and wellbeing standards across the sector. After a year of development, collaboration, and peer review, the program went live, and it has since become one of the most practical and accessible resources available to operators.

An independent evaluation has confirmed that the programme is widely embraced across the industry. Offered entirely free of charge, HARMfree has demonstrated that when resources are clear, relevant, and practical, operators not only pay attention, but they take meaningful action.

Evaluation findings briefly

  • 8,788 visits to the web portal
  • 391 members across 213 businesses
  • 700+ resources downloaded
  • 1,500+ followers across each social channel
  • 95% say it’s easy to use and understand
  • 85% report positive workplace culture change
  • 10% of members are Māori or Pasifika
  • 51% of workplaces include Māori, Pasifika, or diverse workforces
  • 4.2 / 5 stars overall program rating

Why It Matters
Before HARMfree, health and safety resources were scattered across multiple agency websites, often outdated or difficult to find. HARMfree changed that, bringing everything together into one program designed with and for the industry.

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Operators have highlighted major benefits in workplace culture, worker support, and stronger work design systems, showing that HARMfree is creating real, lasting change.

The Road Ahead
The program was initially supported by ACC funding, but that support has now ended. To assist in securing its future, the NZ Trucking Association has gifted all the HARMfree resources and intellectual property to the Transport Well Charitable Trust, ensuring it remains industry-led, free, and accessible to everyone.

The Independent evaluation recommends expanding the resource library and adding more guidance on behaviour change. Including extending the ToolBox talks. To make this happen, the industry must now step up.

A Call to Action
You can get behind the Charity by becoming a supporter or making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, is tax-deductible and goes directly into sustaining and growing HARMfree Transport and Logistics. By pledging your support, you’re helping to keep this essential programme free and accessible, delivering evidence-based resources that strengthen safety, wellbeing, and workplace culture across the transport industry. Pledge your support today at transportwell.nz

The NZ Trucking Association acknowledges the generous support of our partners, Success Formula, Autosense, National Road Carriers, Fit for Duty, and the Industry Council members—who made HARMfree possible.

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