In this IssueWhat's new at ACC
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Welcome October 2009Our apologies for the late arrival of this newsletter this month, but we wanted to wait until the ACC levy information was released. It is with interest that we note that all the media coverage of this has focused the levy increase and not injury prevention. Included in this newsletter is information on ACC injury prevention programmes but as well we strongly support the principle that all businesses, large or small must have a health and safety system in place that is easy to use, applicable, used widely and reviewed regularly. Telling employees to "take care" and to "work safely" is not good enough. |
What's new at ACC
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Last week ACC announced changes to the ACC levy's, the two of the following links provide you with more information about the increase, the third link provides you with an opportunity to have your say For more information on the ACC levy increases.... Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on proposed levy changes.... |
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For more on ACC's Injury Prevention programmesHabitAtWork is an educational tool promoting self-help and problem solving for preventing and managing discomfort, pain and injury. WorkSmart tips is a free online tool that lets you customise health and safety information (or 'smart tips') specific to your workplace, employees, and colleagues. Preventing and Managing Discomfort, Pain and Injury(DPI) Preventing Injuries - At Work - Playing Sport - At Home - On the Farm |
What's new at the Department of Labour
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First Aid for Workplaces - the new DOL guide (September 2009)Every year thousands of people are injured or fall sick at work - some seriously. A quick first aid response can mean the difference between life and death, or can reduce the severity of the injury. There is also a legal requirement for workplaces to provide first aid facilities. First Aid for Workplaces - A Good Practice Guide has just been launched by the Department of Labour. The guide can help you manage first aid needs in your workplace For medium and small business see the DOL First Aid for Workplaces Fact Sheet |
Event Calendar
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October is Breast Cancer Action Month
For more information - What you need to know |
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Support Canteens Bandanna Challenge 29-31 OctoberCanTeen was established to ensure that no young person in New Zealand living with cancer should ever have to feel alone |
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October is the Plunket Society Appeal monthPlunket is NZ's largest provider of support services for the development, wellbeing and health of the under 5's |
1 NOVEMBER - New Cell phone laws
Below are some resources that may provide extra information. As a guideline if your company has a vehicle or cellphone policy you must update it now to include this information. Under the Health and Safety in Employment Act where a vehicle is used for work it is designated as "a place of work" and therefore all practicable steps must be taken to maintain a safe working environment which means providing hand s free cellphones kits in cars, bluetooth devices or similar and enforcing the law against cell phone use whilst driving.
Please note: All of our clients will receive this update free of charge - watch out for seperate email with download instructions.
New Cellphone laws
Employment Law update on hand held cellphones in cars
Texting and driving - the ad 2 die 4
Beehive.govt.nz 13 August 2009
From November 1 it will be against the road rules for drivers to text or talk on a handheld cell phone while driving.
Russell McVeagh.com 18 August 2009
The Daily Telegraph 26 August 2009
A TEXTING while driving ad is creating controversy for its graphic nature, breaking new boundaries in the explicit level of its bloody details
(Please note this is a newspaper article about the ad but it also includes a link to the advert - the advert is VERY GRAPHIC and about 4 minutes in duration)
In the news
Adventure tourism review detailed
NZ Herald 15 October 2009
A review into the adventure tourism industry will look at ways to improve risk management across the sector. For more....
Icepak director pleads guilty over fatal coolstore blast
NZ Herald 5 October 2009
Hamilton coolstore Icepak director Wayne Grattan today pleaded guilty in Hamilton District Court to a charge brought under the Health and Safety in Employment Act. For more....
Farmers reluctant to use protective gear: study
Otago Daily Times 8 Oct 2009
A two-year study of on-farm health and safety has found the rates of serious injury and fatalities remain higher than in other industrial sectors. For more....
Eleven New Zealanders Killed Each Week From Home Injuries
Voxy.co.nz 7 Sep 2009
The latest home injury data from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has revealed that each week more than 11 New Zealanders will be fatally injured in their own homes. For more...
Man crushed to death by granite slabs named
NZ Herald 19 Sep 2009
A man who died when 1500kg of granite fell on him in Motueka, 55km northwest of Nelson, this morning has been named. For more....
Hudson River midair collision leads to law change
NZ Herald 3 Sep 2009
The Federal Aviation Administration said today it will change rules for the airspace over the Hudson River in New York City following last month's deadly midair crash which took the life of New Zealander Jeremy Clarke. For more...
Health and Safety kidnapped by Political Correctness
Ridiculous rules ruin Bradford banter
Sky Sports Fan Zone 24 Sep 2009
It recently came out that the Bradford City mascots had to sign a 'Code of Conduct' that ensured they behaved themselves, were politically correct and couldn't jeopardise the club in any way. This had a big effect on 'Lenny the City Gent' For more.....
High heels in the workplace
NZ Herald Blog Articles 22 Sep
There is a heated debate going on in the UK about, of all things, whether women should have the right to wear comfortable shoes in the workplace.
For more.....
Health and safety even targets New Year's dook
The Scotsman.com 1 Sep 2009
SWIMMERS taking part in Scotland's oldest New Year's Day dip are being told to fill in an assessment form in advance before taking part in the event this year to comply with health and safety rules, it has been revealed.
For more.....
At the Tail End (or what we get on email!)
And once again some really amazing photos ......For more
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Regards
Michelle Macdonald
Director
Phone Toll Free 0800 023 789
Mobile 021 736 752
