'Holistic, cultural shift': Ecostore to install AI-powered CCTV systems to boost workplace safety

Ecostore implements workplace safety measures after chemical incident in 2023

'Holistic, cultural shift': Ecostore to install AI-powered CCTV systems to boost workplace safety

Ecostore is planning to install CCTV systems with AI technology capable of real-time hazard alerts as part of its "holistic, cultural shift" on workplace health and safety.

The CCTV systems will be able to identify situations or events that could pose a risk to workers' health and safety, according to the organisation.

It made the commitment in a new enforceable undertaking that it entered with WorkSafe New Zealand in November 2024, after a worker suffered permanent eye damage after exposure to hazardous chemicals in a workplace incident in March 2023.

The EU is part of the organisation's "holistic, cultural shift" on health and safety that is worth over $323,000. Under the EU, it also plans to conduct:

  • A new working platform for liquids manufacturing, and other new controls to minimise workers' exposure to risk and improve health outcomes 
  • Reparation to the victim 
  • Funding a pilot programme by Blind Low Vision NZ to educate and support businesses employing visually impaired staff, with a focus on workplace health and safety, inclusion, and wellbeing 
  • Development and delivery of a webinar with the Employers and Manufacturers Association, highlighting the incident and key learnings

Mark Horgan, WorkSafe's regulatory support manager, said Ecostore's commitments in the EU "exceeds what even the courts may have ordered in penalties."

"We are pleased to see Ecostore putting things right and being a change-maker in the manufacturing and distribution sector," Horgan said in a statement.

"This demonstrates a substantial commitment to health and safety, with benefits circled back to the community, workers, and industry."

Chemical incident at Ecostore

The EU comes after an Ecostore worker suffered from permanent eye damage in a workplace incident in March 2023.

According to WorkSafe, the Ecostore worker sustained chemical burn injuries when a pressurised hose carrying hazardous liquid disengaged from its clamp.

The substance it contained sprayed into the air and made contact with the employee's eyes.

WorkSafe found that the injured worker was not given adequate training on chemical safety, emergency procedures for spills, as well as handling pressurised substances.

Tony Acland, Ecostore's group chief operating officer, said they acknowledge the personal and professional impact of the incident on the victim, as well as other employees.

"We recognise the importance of going beyond just compliance, and we take our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our employees incredibly seriously. We are committed to continuous improvement in this space and have already implemented numerous advancements," Acland said as quoted by Stuff.