SAFETY INSITE WINTER 2011 - Site Safe

Government has since signalled its intention os matters such as opening up the acc Work
account to competition. The stocktake noted the acc accredited Employer Programme was
proving successful. This programme mainly covers larger employers who manage their own
risk and accident insurance. The stocktake found that employers in this programme achieved
lower inured injury rates and costs than other employers. The Government has considered
the stocktake’s finding and made decisions such as;
• more employers will encouraged to join the accredited employer Programme due it’s
success in reducing injuries and costs
• the acc Work account will be opened to competition. This means that other insurers
besides acc will be able to offer workplace accident insurance from April 2012
The Department of Labour has commenced public consultation to progress these matters.
Specifically the consultation is eeking views on proposals to :
• extending the accredited Employers programme and offering other risk-sharing
options
• introducing choice in the acc Work account
Submissions need to be made by 5pm on 15 July 2011. Details can be found on
www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/increasing-choice/
acc has recently published a Statement of Intent for 2011-2014. The document indicates
where acc will focus its efforts. One area of focus listed will be improving the choice and
range of products for businesses, and be able to adapt to meet needs and expectations. (For
details go to www.acc.co.nz )
Department of Labour
New Action Plan To Reduce Construction Injuries
The Hon Kate Wilkinson, the Minister of Labour has launched a new Construction Sector
Action Plan that sets a broad direction to reduce injuries in the construction industry over the
next 3 years. The launch took place on 26 May 2011 at a Kaiapoi construction site, just north
of Christchurch.
Published by the Department of Labour, the Action Plan was developed following consultation
in 2010 with various industry organisations including employers, unions, safety, training and
the newly established Construction Safety Council.
The Action Plan includes four ‘action areas’ which are broad based initiatives aimed at
reducing the construction industry injury toll. There is a primary focus on slips, trips and falls
from heights. The intention is to include all parts of the industry over the next 3 years in
activities such as:
• significantly reduce workplace injury and fatality rates
• put effective programmes in place to achieve the injury reductions
• provide reliable health and safety data
• create partnerships with government and industry to improve health and safety
Similar action plans for other industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, forestry and
fishing are under development.
6