Manufacturers are working with the government to reform health and safety regulations that they say are unworkable. The proposed changes look to align national standards with their international counterparts. The government risk management consultation involves wood processors, bakers, millers, and other manufacturing industries.
“We’re simplifying machine guarding rules and reviewing exposure standards to reduce complexity and improve consistency in the manufacturing sector,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden.
“During my nationwide consultation and roadshow, businesses described the law as full of grey areas, with outdated guidance that creates confusion and unnecessary cost. We’re acting on that feedback, with changes designed to address the specific pain points raised.”
One change is simplifying the rules around machine guarding and safe use of machinery. Reviewing the risks associated with Worker Exposure Standards for wood dust and machine guarding is something the Wood Products and Manufacturing Association (WPMA) welcomes.
“The current approach to workplace safety regulations in these areas has been described by WPMA members as inconsistent and therefore unclear,” says Mark Ross, WPMA Chief Executive. He says businesses have been frustrated with wood dust standards and that the regulatory changes are the protective, practical system the industry has long demanded.
“Some businesses have invested tens of thousands of dollars in equipment and controls but still struggle to comply with standards that don’t align with international benchmarks or practical realities, with one participant saying the standards are an overreaction to risk, which will cripple the industry”.
The WPMA will be actively engaging in the consultation process. Ross says wood processing businesses can operate more efficiently and safely if they can focus on managing risks rather than navigating regulations.
“Feedback on machine guarding has highlighted the need for greater consistency when using machinery. These changes will enable businesses to use a wider range of tools while applying updated safety measures to keep their staff safe,” van Velden says.
“These changes will save time and costs for businesses and workers as we cut red tape to make it easier to do business. When our Kiwi businesses thrive, there are more jobs and lower prices for all New Zealanders.”
Leeann Watson, Business Canterbury Chief Executive, agrees. “Similar to the Minister, we have also heard from Canterbury businesses receiving conflicting advice from WorkSafe inspectors on identical machinery in different locations, or between similar businesses, creating unnecessary confusion and compliance costs. This review is a positive step toward addressing these inconsistencies.”
Watson says Business Canterbury members have described the current approach to workplace safety regulations in these areas as inconsistent and therefore unclear. “Some have invested tens of thousands of dollars in equipment and controls but still struggle to comply with standards that don’t align with international benchmarks or practical realities,” Watson says.
“This confusion is often exacerbated by WorkSafe, which currently takes an enforcement-first approach and refuses to provide advice, rather than a view to helping businesses implement standards which actually generate better health and safety outcomes.
WorkSafe is also set to update the Workplace Exposure Standard for flour dust, which is designed to minimise respiratory risks.
“Concerned bakers made a submission to the Ministry for Regulation, raising concerns that the permitted concentration of flour dust was so stringent it would ruin their business,” Minister for Regulation David Seymour says.
“One commercial stakeholder said they had invested millions in retrofitted air conditioning units, purchasing new industrial vacuum cleaners, and additional controls in bakeries, including deep cleaning, but it was still almost impossible to comply with the regulation.
“The review will consider international benchmarks and feasibility considerations, such as measurability. This will provide bakers and millers with more confidence that they have met safety standards, reducing the cost and stress of overcompliance and the price of food.”
Many in the sector argue that the focus should shift from prescriptive measures and checklists to a risk management framework that empowers businesses to tailor controls to their specific hazards, provided they can demonstrate effective risk reduction.
“Simplifying machine guarding rules and reviewing the Workplace Exposure Standards will make it easier for people to do the right thing, without compromising safety,” van Velden says.
“When our local businesses can focus on managing genuine risks rather than navigating complex and sometimes contradictory regulations, they can operate more efficiently, continue to keep their people safe, and contribute more effectively to our regional economy,” Leeann Watson says.
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