12 Jan 2021

Border workers in a summer slumber - former inspector

From Morning Report, 8:21 am on 12 January 2021

A former Worksafe inspector says workers at airports, ports and MIQ facilities are far too relaxed about the prospect of Covid-19 getting into the community.

Opposition parties say the government has also drifted into a summer slumber.

But officials say they are still at the wheel and won't hesitate to introduce more protections, if required.

Matthew Theunissen reports.

Brigadier Jim Bliss, Head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine, provided this statement after the story aired:

“We are confident in our MIQ staff and systems and strongly refute the claims of staff and border complacency over summer. Our priority is the safety of returnees, staff, families and communities.

"One of the key reasons New Zealanders could go to the beach this year and enjoy summer was because of the ongoing work of our dedicated frontline staff who keep New Zealand safe.

"During this period our facilities were at 96% capacity and our staff were extra vigilant given the situation unfolding overseas.

"In addition to the priority of the health and safety of our staff, returnees, families and communities, MIQ staff went above and beyond to bring Christmas festivities to the guests during this difficult period.

"WorkSafe is an independent regulator. MIQ takes its obligation to our workforces safety extremely seriously and is fully committed to ensuring WorkSafe is notified as soon as possible after becoming aware of any notifiable event having occurred.

"In August and September, WorkSafe undertook a proactive programme of inspections of a number of managed isolation facilities across the country. WorkSafe have advised their assessments found that the facilities inspected were clearly striving to meet their health and safety obligations to staff.

"One of the guiding principles of the MIQ system is continual improvement. We take every opportunity to learn and improve the operation of a complex system. This is why we have welcomed Worksafe’s inspections and will continue to work proactively to make the system as strong and safe as possible.

"An example of this, is the Infection Prevention Control audit tool, which was developed and used by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with District Health Boards to carry out two audits of the 32 MIQ facilities – one in late July/August 2020, and the second in late September/early October 2020. The audits will serve as a baseline for future audits, which will continue to be carried out regularly. A third round of audits got underway on 9 December.

"There were a total of 155 findings in the first audit and 132 in the second. All findings from both audits have been addressed.

"It is critical to the ongoing health of the country that Managed Isolation and Quarantine facilities are well run. The safety of returnees and our workers, their families, whānau and broader communities is paramount, so robust Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) processes and procedures are vital," said Brigadier Jim Bliss, Head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine, in a statement.