To provide a bit of background into the history of Health and Safety, a report was developed in 1972 by the government of the United Kingdom creating the model known as the Robens Model. This health and safety model outlined that a unified and integrated system of Health and Safety increases effectiveness of the legislation*. Australia’s Health and Safety legislation was implemented in 2011.
The issue New Zealand faced with its Health and Safety previous to the well-known and tragic Pike River incident in 2010, is that the Health and Safety legislation for the country was applied in a haphazard approach. Legislation was often narrowly focused on specific industries and not in a holistic sense. New Zealand has now implemented a unified approach towards Health and Safety drawing information and learnings primarily from Australian legislation but also incorporating elements from the United Kingdom and the USA.
Australia’s Health and Safety
If we take a look at what Australia are currently doing, we see a continual improvement approach. Australia’s Health and Safety legislation has been reviewed a number of times and the Model Work Health and Safety Act was last amended earlier this year**. It is clear that as learnings are being made they are being applied.
New Zealand is admittedly behind the ball game by a number of years, however there is a real opportunity to quickly come up to similar standards of Australia in a shorter period of time. The competitive New Zealand nature and size of our country can assist with this and once the culture changes in businesses and individuals, health and safety becomes accepted and the norm.
Gathering momentum
As acceptance occurs, real momentum can begin as proven in Australia. This means that safety has to be taken personally and actions must speak louder than words – beginning at the top of the business. Safety must be imbedded in management systems and not tagged on to the company as a separate consideration.watch movie now
There will always be organisations or individuals that do not consider Health and Safety important enough but engaging these individuals to work for you could potentially cost you in the long run if due diligence is not met. Ensure you consider the HASANZ Five Questions you should ask a consultant.
Health and Safety is not a static issue and continual improvements will occur as demonstrated in Australia. and just maybe, New Zealand can become the leader in a better safety culture.
*Yang, B. (2012). “Regulatory Governance and Risk Management: Occupational Health and Safety in the Coal Mining Industry”. New York: Routledge.
**Safe Work Australia. (n.d.). Model Work Health and Safety Act.
For more information contact us on 0800 023 789 or email info@allaboutpeople.co.nz
Jay Ferguson, All About People Health and Safety Specialist