WorkSafe Safety Push Reveals Major Farm Safety Gaps Across New Zealand
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
As part of this process, WorkSafe says it is consulting with staff on a change proposal.
"This proposal prioritises our front line and core roles and focuses non-personnel savings over role reductions," it says.
"When the organisational change has been completed and the recommendations of the review implemented, WorkSafe will be in a better position to build our investment case for sustainable funding."
WorkSafe board chair Jennifer Kerr also announced that chief executive Phil Parkes will leave his role at the end of this year.
"Phil has been a strong voice for the need to collectively prioritise health and safety," says Kerr. "It has been clear to me in interactions I have had, particularly with system partners, that Phil's commitment and passionate and articulate advocacy for health and safety is highly respected."
Parkes will continue as chief executive while the organisation works through the change process and plans to finish up with WorkSafe by the end of 2023.
"It's been a privilege to have worked with such a dedicated team who are committed to reduce work-related harm across Aotearoa," Parkes says.
He says work-related fatalities have fallen since 2013, but that there is "more to do".
