I was recently on the Department of Labour’s website brushing up on employee obligations - something we should be up to speed with - when my attention was grabbed by the media/news releases featuring on the website’s page.
The headlining article at the time, discussed a very upsetting boiler room incident in a school which lead to the death of a school employee. http://www.dol.govt.nz/Media/index.asp
The charges that were laid against the Auckland School were for one: under Section 6 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992: ‘Failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of an employee while at work’ and two: under Section 16 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992: ‘Failing to take all practicable steps to ensure that no hazard that is in the place of work harms an employee of a contractor lawfully at work'.
With so much of our time and priority focused on the safety of the children, it is important not forget your staff and your legal obligations to them as their employer. They are ultimately responsible for the safety and well being of the children and, in turn, need to be safe themselves. From ensuring there is always a minimum of two staff on site, to completing regular health and safety and hazard checks of your venue/s, make sure you know your obligations and be sure to carry through on them.
www.dol.govt.nz
www.osh.govt.nz
Anastasia
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