13 Jul 2013

Board announced for new work safety agency

6:33 am on 13 July 2013

Labour Minister Simon Bridges has announced the board which will set up a new Crown agency to reduce workplace injury and deaths.

Worksafe New Zealand is established under the Pike River Health and Safety Implementation Bill currently before Parliament.

The establishment board is to be chaired by Counties Manukau District Health Board chair, Professor Gregor Coster. It includes Transpower chief executive Patrick Strange and former Council of Trade Unions president, Ross Wilson.

Mr Bridges said the board will oversee an overhaul of health and safety systems.

Business New Zealand said it hopes the agency will produce a world-class health and safety system.

The Engineering, Printing Manufacturing Union says it hopes it is properly resourced to implement all the Pike River taskforce recommendations.