Update on Implementation of Adventure Activities Regulation

2 May 2012

Update on Implementation of Adventure Activities Regulations

The Department of Labour is pleased with the response from operators of adventure activities as the first phase of the implementation of the new Adventure Activities Regulations draws to a close.

The first phase required existing operators of adventure activities to notify the Secretary of Labour of their operations by 30 April 2012. As the notification period closes, the Department has received almost 380 notifications from operators throughout the country.

The notification was required under the Health and Safety in Employment (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2011, which were introduced to address safety gaps identified in the 2010 Adventure Tourism Review.

Tracy Mellor, the Department of Labour’s General Manager, Business Process and Innovation, said that the notification process is the first important step in implementing the regulations.

“We’ve had a fantastic response and we want to thank all the operators who have notified the Department. It’s critical for the successful implementation of the regulations that the Department understands the breadth of the sector, and the range of activities they will cover.”

“The regulations are being implemented over a three year period to allow an appropriate transition for operators,” says Ms Mellor.

“By then the Regulations will require adventure activity operators to undergo a safety audit and become registered. The regulations are designed to give New Zealanders and overseas tourists’ confidence that our adventure activities are as safe as they can be.”

Notification was made easy with a simple online web tool which allows operators to provide information to the Department, including business activity and evidence of current safety audits.

From 1 May 2012 until 31 December 2012 new operators must notify the Secretary of Labour before they begin operating.

Notifications from operators who already provide adventure activities but have not yet informed the Department will still be accepted.

For more information on the Regulations or to submit any late notifications please visit http://www.osh.govt.nz/law/adventure-activities/index.asp.

ENDS

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