Health & Fitness
Tue, July 29, 2025
[ Today @ 02:26 PM ]: rnz
[ Today @ 02:06 PM ]: Berkshire Eagle
[ Today @ 02:05 PM ]: earth
[ Today @ 01:44 PM ]: The Sporting News
[ Today @ 01:26 PM ]: Newsweek
[ Today @ 01:25 PM ]: KDFW
[ Today @ 12:47 PM ]: Patch
[ Today @ 12:46 PM ]: ThePrint
[ Today @ 12:25 PM ]: reuters.com
[ Today @ 10:09 AM ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Today @ 10:07 AM ]: BBC
[ Today @ 09:45 AM ]: KUTV
[ Today @ 09:26 AM ]: The Cool Down
[ Today @ 06:25 AM ]: newsbytesapp.com
[ Today @ 05:05 AM ]: moneycontrol.com
[ Today @ 04:46 AM ]: Al Jazeera English
[ Today @ 04:45 AM ]: PEDESTRIAN.TV
[ Today @ 03:46 AM ]: TheHealthSite
[ Today @ 03:45 AM ]: The Scotsman
[ Today @ 03:05 AM ]: ClutchPoints
[ Today @ 02:25 AM ]: Onlymyhealth
[ Today @ 01:07 AM ]: Fox News
[ Today @ 01:06 AM ]: The Straits Times
[ Today @ 01:05 AM ]: The Financial Express
[ Today @ 12:45 AM ]: The Cincinnati Enquirer
Mon, July 28, 2025
[ Yesterday Evening ]: HoopsHype
[ Yesterday Evening ]: Bring Me the News
[ Yesterday Evening ]: SB Nation
[ Yesterday Evening ]: KKTV11
[ Yesterday Evening ]: ScienceAlert
[ Yesterday Evening ]: The Sporting News
[ Yesterday Evening ]: New York Post
[ Yesterday Evening ]: koco.com
[ Yesterday Evening ]: KTAL Shreveport
[ Yesterday Evening ]: CNET
[ Yesterday Evening ]: London Evening Standard
[ Yesterday Evening ]: LA Times
[ Yesterday Evening ]: MassLive
[ Yesterday Evening ]: WMUR
[ Yesterday Evening ]: Harper's Bazaar
[ Yesterday Evening ]: Fox 11 News
[ Yesterday Evening ]: The Joplin Globe, Mo.
[ Yesterday Evening ]: The Hockey News - Ottawa Senators
[ Yesterday Evening ]: ABC Kcrg 9
[ Yesterday Evening ]: WTAJ Altoona
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: WFRV Green Bay
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: reuters.com
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: NBC 7 San Diego
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Sporting News
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: sportskeeda.com
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: news4sanantonio
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Patch
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: PC Magazine
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: The Courier-Journal
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: The New York Times
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: KGNS-TV
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: WISH-TV
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Men's Fitness
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: ClutchPoints
[ Yesterday Afternoon ]: Newsweek
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Cleveland.com
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Pensacola News Journal
[ Yesterday Morning ]: WECT
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Tampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
[ Yesterday Morning ]: WSB-TV
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Yesterday Morning ]: lbbonline
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Forbes
[ Yesterday Morning ]: TheHealthSite
[ Yesterday Morning ]: al.com
[ Yesterday Morning ]: NDTV
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Post and Courier
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Reality Tea
[ Yesterday Morning ]: WOOD
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Stateline
[ Yesterday Morning ]: The Independent
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Impacts
[ Yesterday Morning ]: NorthJersey.com
[ Yesterday Morning ]: BBC
[ Yesterday Morning ]: Perth Now
Sun, July 27, 2025
[ Last Sunday ]: ESPN
[ Last Sunday ]: WKYT
[ Last Sunday ]: Robb Report
[ Last Sunday ]: The Hockey News - Montreal Canadiens
[ Last Sunday ]: MassLive
[ Last Sunday ]: The 4th Official
[ Last Sunday ]: yahoo.com
[ Last Sunday ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Last Sunday ]: The West Australian
[ Last Sunday ]: The Gazette
[ Last Sunday ]: Detroit Free Press
[ Last Sunday ]: SheKnows
[ Last Sunday ]: Los Angeles Times
[ Last Sunday ]: BroBible
[ Last Sunday ]: CNET
[ Last Sunday ]: BBC
[ Last Sunday ]: Fox News
[ Last Sunday ]: Jerry
[ Last Sunday ]: INSIDER
[ Last Sunday ]: ClutchPoints
[ Last Sunday ]: Sporting News
[ Last Sunday ]: Pacific Daily News
[ Last Sunday ]: The Sporting News
Sat, July 26, 2025
[ Last Saturday ]: The Hockey News - Pittsburgh Penguins
[ Last Saturday ]: Detroit News
[ Last Saturday ]: The Sporting News
[ Last Saturday ]: The Hockey News - Montreal Canadiens
[ Last Saturday ]: TSN
[ Last Saturday ]: WBOY Clarksburg
[ Last Saturday ]: Associated Press
[ Last Saturday ]: WTNH Hartford
[ Last Saturday ]: Patch
[ Last Saturday ]: yahoo.com
[ Last Saturday ]: WCIA Champaign
[ Last Saturday ]: WGN Chicago
[ Last Saturday ]: BBC
[ Last Saturday ]: Newsweek
[ Last Saturday ]: Auburn Wire
[ Last Saturday ]: The West Australian
[ Last Saturday ]: Lebron Wire
[ Last Saturday ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Last Saturday ]: ESPN
[ Last Saturday ]: legit
[ Last Saturday ]: Today
[ Last Saturday ]: PetHelpful
[ Last Saturday ]: Vogue
[ Last Saturday ]: Who What Wear
[ Last Saturday ]: Irish Examiner
[ Last Saturday ]: The Hockey News - New Jersey Devils
[ Last Saturday ]: WFLA News Channel 8
[ Last Saturday ]: RTE Online
[ Last Saturday ]: USA TODAY
[ Last Saturday ]: HELLO! Magazine
[ Last Saturday ]: Rolling Out
[ Last Saturday ]: Dallas Morning News
[ Last Saturday ]: The Daily News Online
[ Last Saturday ]: Fadeaway World
[ Last Saturday ]: The Tennessean
[ Last Saturday ]: The Irish News
[ Last Saturday ]: Athlon Sports
[ Last Saturday ]: kkco11news.com
[ Last Saturday ]: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Fri, July 25, 2025
[ Last Friday ]: rnz
[ Last Friday ]: WHBF Davenport
[ Last Friday ]: Den Of Geek
[ Last Friday ]: KGET Bakersfield
[ Last Friday ]: Harper's Bazaar
[ Last Friday ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Last Friday ]: ESPN
[ Last Friday ]: KSNT Topeka
[ Last Friday ]: Newsweek
[ Last Friday ]: Heavy.com
[ Last Friday ]: The 4th Official
[ Last Friday ]: SheKnows
[ Last Friday ]: Athlon Sports
[ Last Friday ]: Fox News
[ Last Friday ]: BBC
[ Last Friday ]: Hayters TV
[ Last Friday ]: CNET
[ Last Friday ]: Daily Record
[ Last Friday ]: Patch
[ Last Friday ]: NBC Chicago
[ Last Friday ]: BroBible
[ Last Friday ]: Pensacola News Journal
[ Last Friday ]: Impacts
[ Last Friday ]: Vibe
[ Last Friday ]: sportsnaut.com
[ Last Friday ]: Forbes
[ Last Friday ]: The Cool Down
[ Last Friday ]: WISH-TV
[ Last Friday ]: RTE Online
[ Last Friday ]: earth
[ Last Friday ]: Pacific Daily News
[ Last Friday ]: The Financial Express
[ Last Friday ]: Arizona Daily Star
[ Last Friday ]: Esteemed Kompany
[ Last Friday ]: Sporting News
[ Last Friday ]: The New York Times
Thu, July 24, 2025
[ Last Thursday ]: Native News Online
[ Last Thursday ]: Rolling Stone
[ Last Thursday ]: Sports Illustrated
[ Last Thursday ]: Athlon Sports
[ Last Thursday ]: yahoo.com
[ Last Thursday ]: Sporting News
[ Last Thursday ]: USA TODAY
[ Last Thursday ]: Fox News
[ Last Thursday ]: London Evening Standard
Current health and safety rules are unworkable, manufacturers say
//health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. fety-rules-are-unworkable-manufacturers-say.html
Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, July 29th 2025 at 14:26 GMT by rnz🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The government is consulting with wood processors, bakers and millers as part of its sector reforms.
Manufacturers Deem Current Health and Safety Rules Unworkable, Urge Government Overhaul
In a bold critique of New Zealand's workplace regulations, manufacturers and business leaders have labeled the existing health and safety rules as "unworkable" and overly burdensome, calling for urgent reforms to alleviate what they describe as stifling compliance costs and operational hurdles. This sentiment, voiced prominently by industry representatives, comes amid growing frustrations within the manufacturing sector, which argues that the current framework under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 is not only impractical but also detrimental to productivity and economic growth.
The chorus of discontent was highlighted in recent submissions to the government, where organizations such as the Manufacturers and Exporters Association (EMA) and other employer groups expressed their concerns. According to these stakeholders, the rules, introduced in the wake of the Pike River mining disaster to enhance worker safety, have evolved into a labyrinth of red tape that disproportionately affects small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Manufacturers claim that the emphasis on documentation, risk assessments, and compliance reporting has diverted resources away from core business activities, leading to inefficiencies and higher operational costs.
One key figure in this debate is Catherine Beard, the chief executive of the EMA, who has been vocal about the need for change. In her statements, Beard emphasized that while the intent behind the legislation—to protect workers—is commendable, its implementation has resulted in "overreach." She pointed out instances where businesses are required to conduct exhaustive risk assessments for even minor hazards, such as office ergonomics or routine machinery maintenance, which she argues creates unnecessary administrative burdens. "We're not against safety; we're against rules that make it harder to run a business without adding real value to worker protection," Beard reportedly said. This perspective resonates with many in the sector, where anecdotes abound of companies spending thousands of dollars on consultants and paperwork to meet compliance standards that feel disconnected from practical realities.
The manufacturers' grievances extend beyond mere paperwork. They argue that the current regime fosters a culture of fear among employers, who worry about severe penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to $3 million or imprisonment for serious breaches. This has led to what some describe as "defensive compliance," where businesses overcompensate by implementing excessive measures to avoid litigation, even when such steps are not proportionate to the actual risks involved. For example, in the manufacturing industry, where heavy machinery and hazardous materials are commonplace, the rules mandate worker participation in safety committees and regular audits. While these are designed to empower employees, critics say they often result in time-consuming meetings that disrupt production lines without significantly reducing accident rates.
Statistics from WorkSafe New Zealand, the regulatory body overseeing health and safety, paint a mixed picture. While workplace fatalities have decreased since the Act's introduction—from around 50 per year in the early 2010s to about 30 in recent years—the injury rate remains stubbornly high, with over 30,000 serious harm notifications annually. Manufacturers contend that this indicates the rules are not effectively targeting the root causes of accidents, such as inadequate training or equipment failures, but instead focus on bureaucratic processes. They advocate for a more targeted approach, perhaps drawing inspiration from international models like those in Australia or the UK, where regulations are streamlined to balance safety with business viability.
Government officials have acknowledged these concerns, with Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden signaling a willingness to review the Act. In a recent announcement, van Velden stated that the coalition government is committed to "cutting red tape" to boost economic productivity, and health and safety regulations are a prime area for reform. "We want rules that work for everyone—protecting workers while allowing businesses to thrive," she said. This aligns with the broader National-led government's agenda to reduce regulatory burdens, as outlined in their election promises. However, opposition parties, including Labour and the Greens, have cautioned against any changes that could undermine worker protections. Labour's workplace relations spokesperson, Camilla Belich, warned that diluting the rules might lead to a resurgence in workplace incidents, referencing the Pike River tragedy as a stark reminder of the consequences of lax oversight.
The debate has also drawn in unions, who offer a counterpoint to the manufacturers' views. Representatives from the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) argue that the current rules are essential for safeguarding vulnerable workers, particularly in high-risk industries like manufacturing. CTU president Richard Wagstaff has criticized the push for deregulation as "short-sighted," emphasizing that any reforms must prioritize evidence-based improvements rather than cost-cutting. "Health and safety isn't a burden; it's a right," Wagstaff asserted, highlighting cases where robust regulations have prevented accidents and saved lives.
Delving deeper into the manufacturers' specific complaints, a report commissioned by the EMA detailed several pain points. For instance, the requirement for "person conducting a business or undertaking" (PCBU) to consult with workers on all health and safety matters is seen as cumbersome for smaller operations without dedicated HR teams. In manufacturing plants, this can mean halting assembly lines for consultations on minor changes, leading to downtime and lost revenue. Additionally, the overlap between health and safety rules and other regulations, such as environmental standards or building codes, creates confusion and duplication of effort. Manufacturers propose simplifying these overlaps through a unified compliance framework that integrates multiple regulatory requirements.
Economic implications are a significant undercurrent in this discussion. New Zealand's manufacturing sector contributes approximately 10% to the GDP and employs over 200,000 people, making it a vital engine of the economy. Industry leaders warn that unworkable rules could drive businesses offshore or discourage investment. A survey by the EMA found that 60% of manufacturers reported increased costs due to compliance, with some estimating annual expenditures exceeding $50,000 per firm. This, they say, hampers competitiveness in global markets, where rivals in Asia or Europe face less stringent regulations.
To illustrate, consider the case of a mid-sized Auckland-based machinery producer that recently shared its experiences anonymously. The company, which exports components to Australia, described spending weeks preparing for a WorkSafe audit that focused more on paperwork than on-site safety practices. "We had all the right equipment and training in place, but the auditors wanted binders full of forms," a manager recounted. Such stories underscore the disconnect between regulatory intent and practical application.
Looking ahead, the government has initiated a consultation process, inviting submissions from businesses, workers, and experts. This could lead to amendments in the coming year, potentially including exemptions for low-risk activities, digital tools to streamline reporting, or performance-based standards that reward safe practices rather than punishing minor infractions. Manufacturers are optimistic that these changes could reinvigorate the sector, but they stress the need for balanced reforms that don't compromise safety.
In conclusion, the outcry from manufacturers highlights a tension at the heart of New Zealand's regulatory landscape: the challenge of fostering a safe work environment without impeding business efficiency. As the government navigates this complex issue, the outcomes will have far-reaching effects on workers' rights, economic productivity, and the nation's industrial future. With stakeholders on all sides engaged, the path forward requires careful dialogue to ensure that safety remains paramount while addressing the legitimate concerns of those on the front lines of production.
(Word count: 1,048)
Read the Full rnz Article at:
[ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/568386/current-health-and-safety-rules-are-unworkable-manufacturers-say ]