Department of Labour drops in on Golden Bay

28 September 2006

Golden Bay businesses will receive a friendly visit next month from workplace health and safety and labour inspectors from the Department of Labour.

A team of inspectors will be visiting local workplaces on 10-11 October, providing information and advice about health and safety and employment responsibilities.

Acting health and safety service manager for Nelson-Marlborough Annette Baxter said most of the Department’s recent work in Golden Bay had been in reaction to workplace incidents.

“We want to change that by working proactively with small communities like Golden Bay to ensure they don’t miss out on access to our services for safe and healthy work. Good health and safety management and employment relations are good for business, which is what we’ll be trying to bring home to employers.”

Ms Baxter said while inspectors would make some appointments, mostly they would be “popping in” on employers to offer practical advice and discuss any concerns.

“Our main objective is that the visits are advice-driven, not compliance-driven. We plan to work with businesses to ensure they have healthy, safe and productive workplaces and that minimum employment conditions are met.”

Businesses where workplace accidents are most likely to occur will be the first to receive a visit. These include local construction and related trades, such as plumbers and electricians, as well as agriculture and viticulture.

Health and safety inspectors will also focus on industries where there may be the following issues: noise, shift-work, spray painting, welding and engineering, exposure to carbon monoxide, and stress. A labour inspector will visit hospitality and agricultural employers.

Inspectors will also host a free BBQ at the community hall on the evening of 10 October for people to ask questions or get information.

Ms Baxter said next month’s visit would be the start of regular and ongoing visits from the Department over the next year.

Along with health and safety and employment, local businesses would be able to access information about other Department services, such as the Small Business Information Unit and the mediation service. Presentations or forums to industry groups could also be arranged.

Ms Baxter said any businesses wanting more information about the visits, or to book an appointment with health and safety or labour inspectors, should contact Margaret Harvey on 03 989 6775.

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.