Project Whakahaumaru’s Harm Reduction Action Plan will improve safety and support sustainable growth in manufacturing, only if it moves from a plan to action.
Te Taunaki Evidence
The manufacturing data gives strong grounds for change and investment.
Manufacturers want positive change, as it is good for their kaimahi, their business and the manufacturing sector. But they need assistance to make the changes.
Employers and workers alike have shown interest, commitment, and enthusiasm to collaborate and improve sector outcomes in this ‘by industry for industry’ action plan. Trade associations, unions, and health and safety professionals have also participated with the same shared objective.
Project Whakahaumaru has identified the need for a long-term partnership between ACC, the sector and WorkSafe as regulator, to progress the objectives of the Harm Reduction Action Plan for Manufacturing and implement its recommendations.
Based on this action plan, a proposal has been put to ACC that seeks an initial five-year investment to help the sector navigate complex health and safety challenges, focusing on both harm reduction and the rising costs associated with workplace harm, including effective at-work recovery support.
A proactive partnership with key stakeholders will be crucial to avoiding duplication, amplifying best practices, and providing practical resources.
What we are trying to achieve
An action plan that delivers change.
Manufacturing has the highest rates of workplace harm in Aotearoa New Zealand. Project Whakahaumaru has brought the sector together and developed a plan that reduces this rate of harm.
The Project’s first phase was focused on research and understanding challenges and what interventions are working, as well as listening and understanding the experiences of everyone working in the sector.
The EMA coordinated the development of this with the support of ACC. But the Project’s success relies on the support and input from all parts of the sector.
At the completion of the first phase, the Project delivered ACC an investment case for a five-year Manufacturing Harm Reduction and Wellbeing Plan, built on evidence-based interventions and initiatives that will reduce workplace harm in the sector.
Press release
EMA and ACC join forces to address workplace injury in the manufacturing sector, developing an industry-led health and safety plan to prevent harm and reduce workplace injuries.
What's next?
ACC will consider the Harm Reduction Plan and consider the investment case. Sign up here if you want to stay in the loop with what is happening and how you can be part of it.
