Watered down health and safety bill lets some small businesses off the hook

Despite major unions and many business associations uniting in a call for better health and safety standards, the select committee report into the Health and Safety Reform Bill reveals that the government has surrendered to pressure from a small group of irresponsible employers, says FIRST Union General Secretary Robert Reid.

“If the government was serious about improving workplace safety then the new health and safety standards would be made universal,” says Reid.

“New Zealand has one of the worst workplace accident rates in the developed world, that means we need world-leading health and safety standards. Instead we are getting a watered down Bill designed to please special interest groups.”

“Exempting some small businesses doesn’t make sense. Why should a forestry company with 12 workers be excluded when an insurance companies with over 500 workers is included, even though the greater health and safety risks lie with workers in the smaller company?” asks Reid.

“Workers deserve strong health and safety standards regardless of how big or small their employer is. Everyone is entitled to equal protection under the law.”

ENDS

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