Employer Bulletin | 24 June

A substantial consultation on work health and safety is now open. 

The Government want to start a conversation about New Zealand’s work health and safety regulatory system, particularly your experiences with it, how you think it’s working now, and what you think should change. 

They are interested in your feedback on the regulatory system - the law and regulations, the supporting information (e.g. guidance and approved codes of practice), the regulators, and the responsibilities of businesses, workers, and others with a role in the system. 

They want to hear from businesses, workers, and anyone with an interest in the health and safety system. 

The Health and Safety at Work Act is almost 10 years old, and now is an appropriate time to review what’s working and what needs to change. 

The consultation closes on 31 October 2024.

In today’s Bulletin

• Huge compensation awarded for significant health and safety breaches
• Employee unjustifiably disadvantaged by not receiving a written employment agreement
• Authority upholds claim for unjustified dismissal
• Abruptly dismissed employee wins personal grievance
• Employee improperly dismissed after predetermined accusations
• Eight news updates of interest for employers including: GDP increases 0.2 percent in the March 2024 quarter; Quarterly current account deficit $7.3 billion; Changes to client payments from 1 July 2024; New guidance on electrical safety for imported buildings; Major health and safety consultation begins; Health workforce numbers rise; Government supporting Māori business success; and Major business deals signed on PM’s Japan trip.
• Five Bills open for submission