Safety in the Armed Forces

The NZISM support Defence Minister Jonathon Coleman’s inquiry into the safety culture within the armed forces. The Defence Force has admitted negligence leading to the death of Private Michael Ross, 29 in a training exercise.

Whilst being involved in the armed forces does entail a certain level of risk, it is a double tragedy to not only lose a life, but for that life to have been lost though inadequate safety protocols in what was a wholly preventable situation.

Tony Rigg National Manager of the NZISM states that “this isn’t only the death of person in the defence force – this is the loss of a New Zealander – a member of our community, a person who was dedicated to protecting New Zealanders as a member of the armed forces – as a society, we have failed him.”

It reflects the poor societal attitude to health and safety that we as New Zealanders tolerate. Yet again we have failed in New Zealand to realise the importance of pragmatic health and safety practices, and strong leadership as a critical component in all workplace activities”

The NZISM is the leading professional body for health and safety practitioners in New Zealand -with over 800 members and an extensive national branch network.

The NZISM provide support to health and safety practitioners, and assurance to industry of health and safety practitioner competence through a professional accreditation programme.

Formed in 1972, the NZISM has national coverage with an extensive branch network, providing quality development and networking opportunities for health and safety practitioners and those interested in this field.

The NZISM operate a professional membership pathway in New Zealand in conjunction with IOSH, the world’s largest professional body for health and safety professionals.

www.nzism.co.nz

ENDS

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