Occupational Health and Safety in New Zealand: Problems and Solutions

Abstract

An economic climate which promotes cost cutting, lack of resources for regulation) agencies, enforcement bodies which are reticent to enforce, legislation which is unco-ordinated and not communicated to those who need it, information which is available in university departments but not on the shop floor, and no effective sanctions in terms of penalties and increased levies against negligent employers all threaten the health and safety of New Zealand workers. These problems are outlined and improvements such as more resources for regulatory bodies, a more positive policing role for enforcement agencies, integration of legislation and administration, better information flow, effective sanctions against employers and particularly more worker involvement in occupational health and safety are proposed.