Net loss from staffing proposal will reach 40, as new roles also created
WorkSafe New Zealand is consulting its workforce about a second major restructure plan that would see a net loss of 40 roles, according to unions.
The Public Service Association (PSA) said the workplace health and safety regulator is proposing to cut 180 roles, while creating new ones, to result in a net loss of 40 roles.
The range of roles that are expected to be affected by the restructure plan would include health specialists, advisors, researchers, evaluators, and legal kaimahi who support WorkSafe inspectors, the PSA said.
A spokesperson for WorkSafe NZ confirmed to NZME that a consultation over a restructure plan was launched this week.
"The proposal is about delivering WorkSafe's new strategy and increasing its frontline services over time. In turn, we are proposing to simplify our structure, reduce some non-frontline roles, and ensure all roles are clearly linked to strategic delivery," the spokesperson told NZME.
WorkSafe also said that it will redeploy all affected employees into future roles where possible.
This is the second major restructure at WorkSafe NZ after it previously cut a total of 113 roles in November 2023 amid a shift to a more "sustainable operating model."
A 'flawed' restructure plan
Duane Leo, Secretary for Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi, slammed WorkSafe's latest proposal as a "flawed plan" that strips the regulator of critical roles.
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"This will undermine the ability of frontline WorkSafe inspectors to do their vital work, so workers return home safe and healthy," Leo said in a statement.
According to the secretary, cuts to the legal team will force inspectors to spend more time gathering documents to support prosecutions.
"This is a return to the failed approach of the past; inspectors will be bogged down by paperwork once again when they need to be supported by a solid team of specialists," Leo added.
The restructure plan comes as a recent report revealed that an employee is almost twice as likely to be killed at work in New Zealand than if they were working in Australia.
"Managing health risks should be a priority, not downsizing a team playing a vital role at a time when work-related health risks are higher than safety risks," Leo said.