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The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has announced it is funding a national health and safety register for businesses.
Developed by the Health and Safety Association of New Zealand (HASANZ), with funding from ACC and WorkSafe New Zealand, the HASANZ Register is a one-stop shop for businesses to search for professionals that can help them with health and safety issues. Said to be a first in New Zealand, the project grew from a recommendation made in the Report of the Workplace Health and Safety Taskforce, resulting from the Pike River mine tragedy.
According to ACC, businesses need access to quality advice and proven, relevant experience to run healthier and safer workplaces.
“We’ve invested in the register because it will help play an important role in reducing workplace harm,” it said. “We’re constantly working with strategic partners to create healthier and safer workplaces.”
HASANZ executive director Philip Aldridge, meanwhile, said: “It works like a matching service between businesses and different types of health and safety professionals.
“It connects businesses with experts who can advise on solutions to their health and safety problems – everything from asbestos to worker fatigue,” he added.
ACC noted professionals on the register must earn their place there. They must provide evidence of their qualifications, experience, and commit to a code of conduct.
“We’re committed to improving health and safety in the workplace,” ACC added. “With this register, we hope greater use of health and safety knowledge and advice will reduce the risk of serious harm and fatalities in New Zealand workplaces.”
