Taskforce Given More Time on Workplace Health & Safety

MEDIA RELEASE

WELLINGTON, 24 AUGUST 2012 Taskforce Given More Time to Look at Workplace Health and Safety

The taskforce established to make recommendations on how to improve New Zealand’s workplace health and safety performance will now report to government by 30 April 2013.

Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety Chairman, Rob Jager, says the clarification of reporting date was good news.

“New Zealand does not have a good workplace health and safety record when compared with the likes of Australia and the UK. Having more time to focus on the issues causing this will mean our final recommendations to government will be better informed,” said Mr Jager.

“It will allow for wider and deeper public discussion and give organisations directly affected by workplace health and safety regulations and systems more time to participate in the consultation process we will run,” he says. A public discussion document will be released for consultation in mid to late September with respondents given over two months to make submissions. “The Taskforce is committed to an open, accessible and transparent consultation process,” said Mr Jager

“We are already planning a series of meetings, Hui and Fono, to hear first-hand from all those with an interest in reducing the horrific impact of workplace deaths and injuries.”

Notes to Editor:

For taskforce terms of reference – www.hstaskforce.govt.nz/tor.asp

For background on taskforce members – www.hstaskforce.govt.nz/members.asp

For Minister of Labour’s statement announcing establishment of taskforce – www.beehive.govt.nz/release/health-and-safety-review-taskforce-appointed

For background on consultation process - www.hstaskforce.govt.nz/consultation.asp

ENDS

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