LONE WORKER COMPLIANCE

Employers bear the responsibility for the health and safety of everyone engaged in work on their premises, encompassing employees, contractors, visitors, and volunteers. Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 in New Zealand is imperative, requiring employers to take ‘all practicable steps’ to ensure the well-being of their employees during work, irrespective of the work setting. This commitment involves considering potential harm scenarios, taking reasonably practicable measures to guarantee safety, evaluating risks, assessing the severity of potential harm, and implementing mitigating factors.

EMPLOYER OBLIGATIONS

As an employer, it is essential to:

  • Provide a secure working environment with appropriate facilities, including first aid kits and personal protective equipment.
  • Ensure the safety of any plant or equipment used by employees, maintaining it properly.
  • Develop emergency procedures.
  • Establish a hazard identification system, eliminating, isolating, or minimising significant hazards.
  • Record and investigate incidents or accidents, and implement preventive measures.
  • Report any incidents causing serious harm.
  • Engage employees in improving health and safety.
  • Provide effective training in safe operating procedures and supervise learning.
  • Maintain first aid kits in all working areas, tailored to accommodate the number of users.

SELF-EMPLOYED RESPONSIBILITIES

If self-employed, it is crucial to:

  • Take all practicable steps to prevent harm to oneself and others.
  • Record and investigate incidents or accidents and implement preventive measures.
  • Report any incidents causing serious harm.

ADDITIONAL ACTIONS

Consider:

  • Implementing health and safety systems demonstrates commitment and boosts workplace morale.
  • Developing a Health and Safety Policy and plan and clearly communicating it to all ensures everyone is clear on their roles and responsibilities.
  • Evaluating the impact of health and safety on productivity.
  • Referring to resources such as Site Safe & WorkSafe, and Employment New Zealand for guidance.
  • Exploring practical guidance on remote and isolated work, such as that provided by Safe Work Australia.
  • Here is more information including a free downloadable e-book from a reputable source like Health and Safety Executive UK.
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