Hawkes Bay Councils Get Thumbs Up From ACC At Napier Conference

Combined efforts by Hawkes Bay’s Councils to make the region a safe community have been highly praised by ACC’s CEO.

Dr Jan White was the keynote speaker at the annual Local Government Health and Safety Conference in Napier, September 16, 17 and 18.

In the 2006/2007 year ACC looked after more than 1.8 million claims from people injured in New Zealand, with nearly 65,500 of those from Hawkes Bay districts.

Dr White told the conference that councils have a huge part to play in keeping New Zealanders safe as they work and play. That can also be economically beneficial because people – including tourists – are attracted to safe places, like Hawkes Bay.

“Hawkes Bay is such a wonderful place to live and is a great tourist destination, with an art deco city and beautiful vineyards. With its 2200 hours of sunshine each year, the Hawkes Bay could build on its already strong reputation by creating one of New Zealand’s safest communities,” she said.

ACC has established relationships with 40 councils, of which 24, including the Hawkes Bays’ councils, have signed agreements with ACC and planned health and safety activities in place.

Jan White said the best way to improve safety and injury figures is to “share the goal” with other organisations like ACC, government, industry, the education sector, community groups, and iwi.

“All Councils here are actively working with ACC,” Dr White said. “They are working diligently together across the region to collaborate and share their strategic thinking and successes. That includes Napier and Hastings working cohesively to secure a World Health Organisation Safe Community accreditation.”

Only six New Zealand cities and communities have a Safe Community distinction.

Diane Dawson, ACC’s local branch manager, said ACC and the Hawkes Bays’ councils enjoy an extremely productive working relationship. “We have combined our efforts and expertise on many safety projects across workplace safety for council employees and safety in the community.”

“For example; a project on curbing alcohol-related violence, a “Drive to the Conditions” programme, encouraging contractors to achieve a minimum Health & Safety accreditation, and delivering pain, discomfort and injury training to council staff. We are also working with the councils to achieve World Health Organisation Safe Community status.”

“ACC and local government are natural partners for taking leadership in creating safe communities. Not only are councils large employers, they have a wide sphere of influence in the communities and are responsible for many public spaces. We look forward to working with the Hawkes Bay’s councils on many more projects to come,” Diane Dawson said.

ENDS

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