National Employment Standards and the KiwiRail MECA

The workplace has always been a common source of injury, infections, and diseases. It is estimated that each year there are also approximately 700-1000 deaths from occupational disease and 100 deaths from occupational injury. In addition, each year there are approximately 17,000 – 20,000 new cases of work-related disease and 200,000 occupational accidents resulting in ACC claims.

As there are inherent risks in a work environment, the Government has developed legislation, regulations, codes, and sets of guidelines to promote and protect the health and safety of workers.

By Hazel Armstrong and Kristen Bunn