Avoidable injuries happen in the workplace every single day. As an employer, protecting your employees from harm is crucial to ensuring positive mental and physical wellbeing. This is where Occupational Health and Safety comes into play. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of reported work-related incidents in NZ, steps to take if an employee is injured, and health and safety methods you should be implementing.
What is Occupational Health and Safety?
Occupational Health and Safety focuses on the health, safety, and wellbeing of employees in the workplace. Its primary goal is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by implementing safety standards, practices, and regulations.
Why is Occupational Health and Safety Important?
1. Employee Wellbeing: Happy employee, happy workplace. Good physical and mental health in employees keeps a business functioning. Reducing the risk of injury also ensures that employees are efficient for the long haul.
2. Boosted Productivity: The more employees feel safe and supported, the more motivated they will be to stay focused and efficient in their work.
3. Cost Effectiveness: Preventing accidents and injuries reduces potential medical expenses that could easily be avoided. It also protects your business from legal repercussions and fines.
Overview of Workplace Health and Safety in New Zealand
As an employer it’s great to be aware of domestic statistics and trends surrounding workplace health and safety incidents.
This report published by WorkSafe in June 2024 discusses findings based on reported fatalities and injuries over the past year.
Some key findings were:
• “Around 4 out of 5 work‑related acute fatalities occurred in four industries: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing; Construction; Manufacturing; and Transport, Postal and Warehousing.”
• “More than 1 in 2 workers in Aotearoa New Zealand have some exposure to at least one carcinogen.”
• “A large proportion of workers have some exposure to common risks such as lifting, awkward postures, prolonged standing, loud noise, shift work, and extreme temperatures.”
• “One in three workers are exposed to at least one form of offensive behaviour at work such as bullying, harassment or violence.”
Based on this data, it was concluded that in certain industries, and for some groups of workers, injury rates have stagnated, or even increased over the past decade.
What Incidents need to be Reported?
If an employee has been involved in an incident, one of the first steps to take is reporting it.
According to WorkSafe, In New Zealand, the health and safety regulator must be notified by the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) when certain work-related incidents happen. In this context, the regulator is WorkSafe, or another government agency that carries out health and safety regulatory functions based on occupation.
Examples of notifiable incidents in the workplace include:
• A death
• Notifiable injury or illness
• A notifiable incident
To be considered an incident, it must take place while conducting business. An incident could occur due to the worksite, how a task is organised, or the way equipment is used. Examples of incidents can include head injuries, lacerations, or burns.
For more information, check out this WorkSafe article to stay informed about when to take necessary action.
What to do if an Employee gets Injured
Whether you’re currently dealing with an employee injury, or you want to establish a procedure to deal with potential incidents, here are some points to consider from ACC.
Communicate with your employee and make sure:
• They get treatment as soon as possible.
• They discuss a claim for the accident through their health provider.
• They get a medical certificate from their doctor.
• They give you a copy of their claim form and medical certificate.
• You get their consent to speak to ACC about their recovery.
• You discuss suitable duties within their role.
• You discuss how you and ACC could support them.
Other things to consider:
• Share online ACC resources with your employee.
• Give your employee relevant information about the workplace, role, and available duties. They can pass this on to their health provider for a suitable medical certificate.
• Ask your employee for consent to contact ACC or their health provider about the injury.
• If you’re seeking information from ACC about the employee, you’ll be asked to verify your identity.
• Your employee’s health provider will issue a relevant medical certificate. This will detail the injury, its impact, and how it affects the employee’s ability to work. There are 3 certifications that could apply – fully fit, fit for selected work, or fully unfit.
For a full, comprehensive guide with resources, check out this article from ACC for more information.
The Conclusion
Investing in health and safety in the workplace is crucial for your business. It leads to a lower turnover rate, a culture of trust, and increased productivity from employees who feel safer. Workplace health and safety is also an ongoing commitment. At the end of the day, a safe workplace is a happy workplace.
How we can Help
At People Associates, we provide expert Occupational Health & Safety services to ensure your workplace is compliant and safe, with a strong health and safety culture. As accredited Safe365 partners, we help you meet all regulatory standards. Our goal is to identify risks, implement preventative measures, and create an environment where employee wellbeing is a priority.
Want a free consultation?
Flick us a message here – or contact Lisa Oakley at lisa@peopleassociates.nz or on 027 573 5483.
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