Media releases
Department of Labour surveys 39 Waiheke workplaces
08 February 2007
The Department of Labour surveyed 39 wineries and residential construction sites on Waiheke Island this week to identify areas where the Department might be able to provide more support to businesses on good workplace practices.
Workplace Services Regional Manager John Howard said the survey, distributed by Department staff, revealed some gaps in businesses’ understanding of health and safety and of good employment practices.
“A number of the wineries showed little knowledge of how to identify and manage hazards. Construction sites relied on informal rather than structured mechanisms for managing health and safety.
“This was a very positive exercise in that it helped us identify some of the areas where we might be able to support business, by providing information and helping promote safer, more productive working environments.”
Of the 39 sites visited, 12 were wineries and the remaining 27 were construction sites.
“The people interviewed were keen to get information and support on employment relations issues and on health and safety.”
As a consequence of the survey, the Department of Labour is now offering free workshops to employers, employees and self employed people on Waiheke Island. The workshops will take place on February 13.
“These workshops will be an opportunity for people to ask questions and for us to talk about some of the gaps we identified in our survey.”
The workshops will run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and again from 5.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. At the same time, experts from the Department will be on hand between 2.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. to discuss any issues on an individual basis. These events will be held in the Red Cross Rooms, corner of Tui and Oceanview Roads, Oneroa.
“Depending on the outcome of this exercise, we expect to repeat it with other businesses and in other regions, later this year” Mr Howard said.
ENDS
