New Zealand Government has announced changes to move the focus from enforcement to education and the 'on the ground' realities of work
WorkSafe New Zealand is shifting away from its enforcement approach to a more engaging one to address the culture of fear among people about the agency.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced on Tuesday that she is introducing a range of changes that will refocus WorkSafe as an organisation that engages early to support businesses and individuals.
"For too long, businesses and employers have asked for more guidance and help from WorkSafe on how to comply with health and safety legislation, only to be told it's not WorkSafe's job," van Velden said.
"A culture where the regulator is feared for its punitive actions rather than appreciated for its ability to provide clear and consistent guidance is not conducive to positive outcomes in the workplace."
Part of the changes include the launch of WorkSafe's road cone tipline, as well as the removal of outdated guidance documents from its website.
"Removing and replacing outdated guidance will make it much easier for people to find the help they're looking for and ensures WorkSafe is giving consistent and clear advice," van Velden said.
The minister also penned a letter of expectations for WorkSafe Chair Jennifer Kerr. She noted three key shifts from the agency towards being proportionate, practical, as well as consistent and clear in its advice.
"I want to see a shift from a regulator that provides generic and high-level 'gold plated' guidance to one that provides advice and guidance that address the 'on the ground' realities of work in a practical way that businesses and workers understand," she said in the letter.
"I want to see WorkSafe shift to a greater focus on providing clear guidance and supporting duty-holders on how to manage their risks and providing certainty about what is 'reasonably practicable.'"
Van Velden said the significant shift in current practice will take time and great effort from the agency.
"However, I do want to see these expectations fully delivered by the end of this parliamentary term," she stated.
The minister stated that the changes do not mean the rate of prosecutions will slow down.
"Prosecution will still remain. I think it's important that we do have enforcement, but we do need to balance that correctly with the upfront guidance," Van Velden said as quoted by Radio New Zealand.
She stated that the changes aim to address the concerns from businesses and workers during her roadshow.
"I've been hearing there is a real culture of fear of people around WorkSafe, and I want people to feel like if they ask for help, they will get that help – and so for any business or any worker who wants to know what it is that they should be doing to keep their workers safe, they will know where to go," she said.
