The organisation believes it will help ensure that the industry is prepared for when the law comes into effect in 2015, which is not expected to be law before April next year. The Bill is part of the Working Safer reform package announced by the Government in 2013.

What is the timing for the Reform Bill and Health and Safety at Work Act?

The Bill was introduced into Parliament in March 2014. It is currently before Parliament’s Transport and Industrial Relations Committee, which is considering public submissions on the Bill.

Once the Bill is passed, it will be several months before the new Health and Safety at Work Act comes fully into force in 2015. This will enable the supporting regulations to be made, and WorkSafe to finalise the supporting guidance and approved codes of practice.

The new law will be supported by education and information. WorkSafe is developing a range of guidance material that will be in place in plenty of time to help the industry through the transition.

In the meantime, it suggests the Horticulture Industry can use these updates to help start thinking ahead about what might be needed to be done differently to meet its duties under the new law.

For more information, visit: http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/about/reform