Department of Labour Workplace Health and Safety Snapshot report released
Media Release
3 December 2009
Workplaces that commit to integrating health and safety practices into their operations are more likely to enjoy better business outcomes according to a report released today by the Department of Labour.
“Health and safety investments in the workplace do not compete against investments in productivity,” says Craig Armitage, head of Workplace Health and Safety for the Department of Labour.
“The two go hand-in-hand.”
The 2008-09 annual snapshot report on progress on achieving the Workplace Health and Strategy for New Zealand to 2015 demonstrates the varied ways workplaces through New Zealand are contributing to good progress in the three key areas of strategic focus – government leadership and practices, preventive workplace cultures, and industry leadership and community engagement.
“What has become evident is that business leaders need to provide strong, proactive leadership to instil the importance of the health and safety process in their businesses,” Mr Armitage said.
“During the year 120 business leaders met at the Leaders in Health and Safety Summit to consider ways to build a New Zealand workplace safety culture. A high powered, cross-industry group has also been formed, made up of chief executives who recognise the importance and value of healthy and safe workplaces.
“This business leaders’ forum is committed to driving workplace safety through their own organisations and demonstrating to others the value of doing so. They are focusing on practical steps to reduce the $16 billion annual cost of workplace injuries and illnesses,” Mr Armitage said.
The snapshot report can be found at www.whss.govt.nz/snapshot08-09/index.html
Also during the year, there was an operational review of the Workplace Health and Safety Strategy for New Zealand to 2015, mandated when the strategy was launched in 2005.
Mr Armitage said the review’s findings confirm the strategy is soundly based. It also identifies new activity in areas with the potential to result in improvements in New Zealand’s health and safety performance.
The review’s findings will be released before the end of the year.
Media contact 0274 422141 or media@dol.govt.nz.
Notes to Editors
The Workplace Health and Safety Strategy for New Zealand to 2015 was launched in July 2005. The Strategy is a long term government initiative designed to reduce New Zealand’s work toll by lifting workplace health and safety performance and enhancing the productivity of New Zealand businesses.
The Strategy provides a framework for action to:
- raise awareness about workplace health and safety
- coordinate and prioritise workplace health and safety activities across stakeholders
- and, improve the infrastructure that supports workplace health and safety.
The Strategy has a vision of “healthy people in safe and productive workplaces” and identifies three interconnecting outcomes that support its vision:
- Government Leadership and Practices
- Preventive Workplace Cultures
- Industry Leadership and Community Engagement.
The snapshot of progress highlights the Strategy’s achievements during the 2008/09 year
To the journalist: please note that health and safety services formerly referred to as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) should now be referred to as the Department of Labour.