Labour's health and safety proposals "opportunity for change"

The PSA welcomes the opportunity to engage on the government’s Health and Safety At Work Strategy, released today by Workplace Relations and Safety minister Iain Lees-Galloway.

"All New Zealand workers have the right to go to work in a safe and healthy environment, and not to be injured or made ill by the work they do," PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay says.

"The Health and Safety Taskforce made wide ranging recommendations to improve our health and safety system, some of which were not carried through into legislation by the previous government.

"This is an opportunity to highlight further changes that are needed."

Mr Barclay says it is good to see the emphasis placed on psychosocial factors, as there is increasing recognition of the harm caused by workplace bullying, sexual harassment and stress.

The proposal of a governance group with all stakeholders represented is also welcome, he says.

"It is crucial that groups who are over-represented in workplace harm and accidents are included in the discussion.

"The government needs to ensure the right people are at the table, and unions will make sure that happens."
ENDS

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