A board appointed by the Minister of Labour will lead the new organization. Legislation creating the new agency is being drafted for inclusion in the Health and Safety (Pike River Implementation) Bill 2013.

In the meantime, from July 2013 a new regulatory approach to health and safety gets under way. Workplaces, too, will need to change.

Those within the Horitucuture Industry can expect:

• A greater focus on proactive and preventative work;
• The Ministry will be more visible in workplaces;
• Clearer expectations of workplaces and guidance on how to comply;
• A firm regulatory stance;
• A strong focus on the highest risk sectors – currently agriculture, forestry, construction and manufacturing;
• Better cross-government partnerships.

More information about the new regulatory approach, including guidance and support for completing duty holder reviews is available at: www.business.govt.nz/healthandsafety