'This consensus has been surprising, and the frustrations are very real'
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said the government's ongoing roadshow to garner public feedback on New Zealand's work health and safety system has been a "real eye-opener."
Van Velden has travelled to 11 towns and cities, attended 23 meetings, and carried out 15 site visits across the country as part of the roadshow.
"The health and safety roadshows across the country have been a real eye-opener. The problems I'm hearing from employers, businesses, and workers are shared across different parts of the country and across very different industries," the minister said in a statement.
"This consensus has been surprising, and the frustrations are very real."
Van Velden said one of the concerns raised to her was the guidance inconsistencies from WorkSafe.
"One very obvious theme is that small businesses and sole traders are struggling a lot more with compliance than businesses who can afford dedicated health and safety experts," she said. "For SMEs, the costs can be unbearably high – they have to consider the financial costs, as well as the time they have to commit."
Work health, safety roadshow
The roadshow began earlier this year with the aim of getting feedback from businesses and workers on the country's work health and safety system as government seeks to introduce reforms.
"We have some work to do but I am grateful for the Kiwis I have met across the country, for their honesty and openness in sharing their concerns," Van Velden said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) has received over 200 submissions on the work health and safety system.
According to the government, the majority of the submissions were from organisations with 100 or more employees. Around 20% are from businesses, while 25% come from the construction industry.
Van Velden said she is looking forward to hearing from more small businesses and those with health and safety obligations who do not usually participate in government consultation.
"Small businesses make up 97% of businesses in New Zealand, they are our Kiwi family-owned businesses and sole traders," the minister said. "You still have time to make an online submission by going to MBIE's website before 5pm 31 October, or by emailing [email protected]."
Health and Safety at Work Act reforms
The public consultation follows the New Zealand government's announcement earlier this year to reform the Health and Safety at Work Act.
"New Zealand's poorly performing health and safety system could be costing this country billions," Van Velden said.
"An effective health and safety system can support productivity and economic growth. I want to make sure businesses and organisations are focused on addressing the things that are causing workers harm, rather than being caught up in unnecessary compliance or trying to interpret and navigate complex rules and regulations."