Business will be supportive of the planned review of the workplace health and safety system, says BusinessNZ.

Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly said there have been many workplace changes since the Health and Safety in Employment Act was passed and it is imperative that legislation of this kind is kept up to date and relevant.

“Funding for more health and safety inspectors is also welcome.

“It will be important that this expanded inspectorate is guided in the right direction to ensure the best health and safety outcomes.

“The current system is not as clear as it should be, and fails to take account of the need for safety to be a responsibility of everyone in the workplace.

“There is accordingly potential for confusion and fear, especially among small businesses that may be unsure of how to comply in this important area.

“A key need for both the health and safety review and the expanded directorate will be to ensure that resources are directed towards assisting business to understand the requirements of the law and achieve compliance,” Mr O’Reilly said.

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