The New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM), the professional association for health and safety experts, is concerned by the prospect of more lax machine guarding requirements signalled by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety.

"Machines that are badly guarded are a major source of workplace harm. Nearly 200 hard-working New Zealanders are killed, hurt and maimed every year (according to the latest full year WorkSafe data) by improperly guarded machines. Simplifying machine guarding requirements in a way that lowers standards will lead to more deaths and injuries," said NZISM spokesperson, Mike Cosman.

"We agree with the Minister that guidance needs to be updated, made more specific to particular sectors and easier to understand and we’re happy to help with this. Proper guarding is not a simple one-size-fits all given the massive range of equipment and situations in which it is used across the country.

"There is a strong role for health and safety experts (like NZISM members) in giving that advice. You wouldn't ask a Police Officer to design the brakes on your truck and you can't expect WorkSafe to act as your consultant. If you use machinery you need to take steps to satisfy yourself that it will keep your workers safe."

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ENDS

For more information contact:

Mike Cosman 027 479 674