Message From Cleanchem's Kevinmcafee

“The Government have stepped up their communication and awareness to employers and employees of the up and coming health and safety legislation changes. Several times now in the last few weeks I have encountered advert pop ups on websites highlighting legislation changes are soon to be introduced. In addition, I have recently spent time with many health and safety managers and other key people who manage the health and safety function within their businesses. They are telling me there is a real ‘scare mongering’ approach being taken in relation to what they must do with the changes and that if they don't, ‘jail terms and half a million dollar fines are likely’.

“I must say that I am concerned to hear this. Each of the individuals I have spoken with recently are high calibre health and safety managers in their own right.  They work in organisations with an exemplary health and safety record, achieved through their efforts and the commitment of their organisations to health and safety. The more of these discussions that I have had, the more I believe that perhaps this reaction is more an interpretation of the consequences of not addressing the new requirements. There is also the consideration that if something serious was to occur, that addition to the senior figures within their organisation, any employees deemed responsible may be prosecuted. This is a significant change which creates additional pressure, but my belief is that rather than scare mongering, a more supportive approach is appropriate.

“Educating your people and sharing best practice is what’s needed. So where do we get the information we need to understand what our business needs? Well first off, the legislation has not been passed but there is the Police of the new legislation, WORKSAFE NZ, who you can visit their website for information or you can invite them to your business and request their support to give you advice on what they expect. As they will be the auditing party for the Government, my advice is get them on side now and work with them as this can only enhance their view on how you are committed to Health and Safety in your business.

“A crucial aspect to ensure the successful delivery of your new ways of working with health and safety, are the people responsible for delivery of the content. As an example, a health and safety manager may be responsible for the content, but senior management are accountable for the outcomes. This means as much as you have a detailed plan for the process, responsibility and accountability of individuals needs to be clear from the start.

“All processes are easy to set up and implement, I think we can agree with that. The challenge is having people live and follow the processes. Wouldn’t it be perfect if you had a system that could manage process and support your business to deliver what is required and more?

“If you have a business, stand alone or multi-sited, HealthSafe can support your needs and offer you support in control and consistency across all levels in your business. This support includes an intelligent software package that advises you what to do, how to do it and when to do it. Prompts and follow up alerts on key tasks and serious harm, accessibility to all reports via, phone, Laptop and iPad capability across all major operating systems. Current and historic information is easy to locate and review, with accident, hazard forms and all other information located on a secure server. Contractor reviews and ensuring annual refresher inductions are met and compiled is all part of HealthSafe ability to support you. Key reports are collated monthly by Health Safe and emailed to the user to be included on an onsite communication board for employees to read.

“HealthSafe removes the stress of worrying about what you should do and when you should do it. Combine this with support with site audits, tendering documents, company policies and HealthSafe supports you in every way you need to adapt and adhere to the new legislation. As a senior person in your organisation, you will have a dashboard designed to what you require to manage your team or multi-sites. Commitment and correct use can also drive down ACC levies for your business and minimise potential business interruption.

“Does this sound too good to be true? We don’t believe so. The team behind the HealthSafe software have over thirty three years health and safety experience and property assessment and audit, to ensure that you can have confidence your health and safety function. HealthSafe are your support to allow you to focus on what you do best.”

For more information go to http://www.cleanchem.co.nz .