OSH launches seminars throughout New Zealand

OSH launches seminars throughout New Zealand

The first of over 120 free seminars about amendments to health and safety law will start tomorrow.

These seminars mark the beginning of many opportunities for employers and employees throughout the country to learn more about the amendments to the Health and Safety in Employment Act.

"I hope that New Zealand businesses will make the most of these opportunities to learn more about their responsibilities under the HSE Act from skilled OSH staff," said Bob Hill, General Manager of the Occupational Safety and Health Service (OSH).

"The amendments come into force on May 5th this year. These seminars will help employers and employees prepare for any changes they may have to make in their workplace.

"The seminars will provide time for all those attending to ask questions.

"These amendments mark a new beginning of a new workplace culture designed to put an end to unnecessary injury, illness and death.

"Passed late last year, the amendments provide employers, workers and unions with the tools to systematically review, eliminate or manage workplace risks."

The major changes the legislation brings are:

An extension of the coverage of the Act to new sectors

Provision for employee participation and health and safety training

A clarification of the duty to systematically address hazards A range of new interventions available to OSH Inspectors and Health and Safety Representatives to raise and resolve safety issues

Further information can also be found at the newly established website, www.workinfo.govt.nz. OSH has also established a freephone line for information on the Act. This 'Information Centre' can be reached on 0800 20 90 20, and is open on weekdays from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.

ENDS

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