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Health & Safety Work Act 2015 now in force
Health & Safety at Work Act 2015 now in force
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 has made significant changes to workplace health and safety. All businesses should familiarise themselves with the new law and any regulations applicable to their specific sector.
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If you haven’t already done this, we recommend that you review your health and safety practices, policies and procedures now.
Below are some steps all businesses should be taking:
Identify risks and hazards arising in your workplace (including your workers – they are a hazard too!) Think about ways to effectively eliminate or minimise those risks;
Consult with your workers about any risks and hazards they are aware of or concerned about, and how to eliminate or minimise them. A brainstorming session with a group of workers can be a great way to do this;
Review your health and safety policies, to ensure they deal with every risk and hazard you have identified. Ensure your policies and rules are followed at all levels of the business. You need to know not only what your workers should be doing, but also what they are actually doing. This will involve observation, training and effective communication with your workers;
Invest in resources to ensure you meet your health and safety obligations and take advice from health and safety specialists (particularly if you’re in a business that Worksafe considers to be a high risk workplace).;
Make sure that you provide all your workers with adequate, up-to-date and regular health and safety training, so they are equipped to work safely at all times;
Identify who could be deemed an ‘Officer’ of your business and ensure they are aware of their due diligence obligations. They should all know the risks and hazards arising from the business, and be aware of steps taken to eliminate them. Health and safety should be a permanent and regular agenda item for all board/management meetings; and
Stop any potentially unsafe work practices now – before it’s too late!
For more information about the new legislation and how it will affect you, your business and your workers email us on savvylawyers@simpsonwestern.co.nz
KATRINA SIMPSON Solicitor SIMPSON WESTERN
SILVERDALE: CNR MILLWATER PARKWAY & POLARITY RISE, SILVERDALE, AUCKLAND DDI: +649 489 0756 P: +649 486 3058 F: +649 486 2235 www.simpsonwestern.co.nz
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