As you are no doubt aware, on the 4th April 2016, the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) along with a number of associated regulations will come into force.

One of the regulations that will have a significant effect on NZ business is the Health and Safety at Work (Worker Engagement, Participation, and Representation) Regulations 2016.

Within these regulations, matters relating to health and safety representatives (HSRs), work groups, health and safety committees are prescribed, with the aim being more effective worker participation. 

In relation to the requirement for an elected Health and Safety Representative, the following is important to consider:

1. Is your industry defined as high-risk as listed in the Regulations
2. How many employees do you have and how are they grouped? (i.e. work groups of 20 or more).

For many of our clients, this will mean the election of new Health and Safety Representatives.
This presents a unique opportunity to engage with staff and introduce fresh thinking in Health and Safety.

Also specified within these regulations are the initial training requirements of Health and Safety Representatives. Initial training is now prescribed within the regulation as 'training that covers the content required to achieve the New Zealand Qualifications Authority unit standard 29315'.

In order to support our clients in the training of their new Health and Safety Representatives, Vertical Horizonz will be offering Health and Safety Representative - Initial Training public course programmes at our training centre's throughout New Zealand.

Upon completion of the training, trainees will be awarded US 29315 and will be able to:

• Explain the role and functions of the Health and Safety Representative under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its Regulations;
• Explain the role of a Health and Safety Representative as an advocate for workers;
• Identify the obligations of a PCBU and WorkSafe New Zealand towards the Health and Safety Representative;
• Describe the risk management process and the importance of communicating with workers and management;
• Describe and demonstrate the powers and obligations that a Health and Safety Representative has in terms of issuing a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) and how and when to direct a worker to cease unsafe work.

In addition to public courses, we can also deliver in-house programmes onsite at your location.

To discuss your training requirements, or to book on a programme, call Vertical Horizonz on 0800 72 33 848 or go to www.vhnztraining.co.nz