ACC supports employers and workers in workplace safety training

Employers are reaping the benefits of ACC investment in workplace safety training through schemes already provided to both large and small organisations, says ACC Workplace Programme Manager Geoff Wilson.

"In the past year, employers who were assessed as having a safe workplace received levy discounts totalling $17 million," Mr Wilson said.

"And ACC has just launched two safety initiatives, one aimed at New Zealand's 11 riskiest industries and the other at small businesses."

In addition, Mr Wilson said ACC has begun work with employer organisations in Otago and Southland on new training modules, one for hazard management and one for incident investigation.

He said there had also been a very high level of interest shown in the ACC/NZCTU workplace health and safety representative training initiative launched last month.

The training package developed for the course has already been downloaded more than 800 times between 28 May and June 9, Mr Wilson said.

The training, put into place under amendments to the Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992 that came into force on May 5, is open to any representative elected by his or her workmates, regardless of whether or not they have a union affiliation.

"Because of its organisational structure, the CTU provides a quick avenue to reach our target of 5000 representatives in the next 12 months," Mr Wilson said.

ACC/CTU health and safety training is undertaken under the delegated authority of the Minister of Labour.

"It's a great way to get employees to look after their fellow workmates and reduce injuries," Mr Wilson said.

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