The Department of Labour will be visiting workplaces in Greymouth during the week of 19 to 23 July 2010 as part of its “Safer Workplaces Campaign”.

The Department has given ‘all you need to know’ information packs on labour relations and health and safety to businesses in the town.

The visits will provide an opportunity to meet employers, unions, health and safety representatives and employees - some of the visits will involve a site inspection and a compliance rating to give employers an indication of their compliance levels.

Department of Labour Canterbury Service Manager, Margaret Radford, says supplying practical workplace information and advice about employment legislation and health and safety is part of the Department’s day-to-day work.

“The Greymouth visits will be about helping local businesses and workplaces manage their employment responsibilities. Part of our aim with these visits is to increase workplace health and safety awareness and provide employment legislation information and advice,” Ms Radford says.

“We gave the Greymouth businesses the information packs in advance to allow them the opportunity to consult with staff, review systems and seek guidance where necessary.“ Ms Radford says.  “The information packs are a good starting point for our discussions with the businesses.”

“We are also looking to present workshops on issues of interest to Greymouth businesses, so we are seeking their feedback on the most appropriate matters to be covered by these workshops.”

Businesses will also be canvassed for interest in workshops the Department of Labour will present. The nature of these workshops will be determined by the interest shown by the businesses.   

“The Department of Labour wants to be more involved with local business. We want to help it progress by offering an excellent all around service” Ms Radford says, “Good health and safety management is good for business.”

This initiative follows on from similar successful Safer Workplaces Campaigns in Lyttelton, Bromley in Christchurch, Timaru, Kaikoura‎, Ashburton and Rangiora.

For any enquiry, the Department of Labour’s office is located at 144 Kilmore St Christchurch. This office is also a good first stop for general information and how to contact the Department’s Mediation and Workplace services. 
Phone the Department’s help line on 0800 20 90 20 or visit www.dol.govt.nz

If your business has been missed this time around and you would like a visit and/or you would like further information about this campaign, please call the above help line and let’s see how we can help you!

ENDS

Media contact: 0274 422 141 or e-mail media@dol.govt.nz