An update on the development of the refreshed Safety in Technology: A Guidance Manual for SchoolsSchools.
June 2016
The Health and Safety at Work Act is now in force and has created much discussion in schools over the last year.
Safety in Technology: A Guidance Manual for Schools.
The New Zealand Association of Science Educators has been contracted by the Ministry of Education to review and update both the Safety in Technology: A Guidance Manual for Schools and the Science Code of Practice. Colin North from NZASE is producing this update in full consultation with a range of technology associations’ representatives.
Colin is in the reviewing stage of this resource following input from the Technology sector and is expecting to send a refreshed copy back to MoE for review by the end of August.
NZASE has been working closely with both Ministry of Education and MBIE to plan for the new regulations and support teachers during their implementation. Workshops are planned following publication of the refreshed Manual – these will be advised via the Ministry’s school Leader’s Bulletin.
The draft Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2016 were up for consultation until February 2016. The regulations are now being written by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. These are unlikely to be completed in the near future so NZASE are refreshing the Safety in Technology: A Guidance Manual for Schools using the new Health and Safety at Work Act and draft Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2016. When the regulations are published the Manual will be reviewed and amended as necessary.
WorkSafe releases interpretative guidelines on worker representation
June 2016
WorkSafe New Zealand has published guidelines that explain the requirements for worker representation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Health and Safety at Work (Worker Engagement, Participation, and Representation) Regulations 2016 .
The guidelines have two parts. Part A covers Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and Part B covers Health and Safety Committees (HSCs). They should be read in conjunction with the Act and the Regulations.
The guidelines include links to the relevant clauses and sections (and page numbers for people reading a PDF version of the legislation).
Here you can read the guidelines .
New health and safety guidance
31 March 2016
WorkSafe releases new guidance
WorkSafe New Zealand has released a suite of guidance to help you understand the new health and safety legislation and stay healthy and safe at work. There is more guidance to come, so keep checking WorkSafe’s website for the latest information.
Practical guide for school leaders now available
The health and safety practical guide for school leaders and board chairs is now available. Find out more about the practical guide .
The guide provides useful information to help schools develop their health and safety plans, and complements the Ministry of Education’s already published factsheets .
It includes clear explanations of the requirements, example policies, procedures and checklists.
Guide for early learning organisations coming soon
The draft health and safety guide for early learning organisations is being reviewed by WorkSafe New Zealand. We hope to publish it on the factsheet page in the coming weeks.