Labour Minister Simon Bridges has today released a draft of provisions as part of the Health and Safety Reform Bill and announced two tranches of regulations will be developed.
Labour Minister Simon Bridges has released a draft of provisions for the Health and Safety Reform Bill for consultation this afternoon.
A draft covers the duties of workplace participants and provisions relating to worker participation systems that will be in the Bill.
“All the policy decisions are made – the draft gives an early indication of what the core obligations under the new law are likely to look like to implement those decisions,” Bridges said in a statement.
“It will also provide an initial opportunity for key stakeholders to comment on the drafting of the provisions before the select committee process begins. The select committee will also invite and consider submissions from the public on the Bill.”
Also as part of the Working Safer work plan the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) will be developing two tranches of regulations.
The first tranche will be developed in time to accompany the new Health and Safety at Work Act when it comes into force in 2015 Bridges said, while tranche two will follow within two years.
Tranche one will develop new regulations for general risk and workplace management; worker representation and participation; major hazard facilities; and hazardous substances while also updating existing regulations for Asbestos.
Tranche two will focus on hazardous work; plant and structures; geothermal operations; quarries; and any residual issues in relation to the management of hazardous substances in the workplace.
The Health and Safety Reform Bill will amend the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and the Accident Compensation Act 2001 and replace the Health and Safety in Employment Act with a new law called the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Submissions to the exposure draft close on 15 November, 2013.
To read the draft and for further information click here.
