What would you do if WorkSafe turned up and issued Improvement Notices for your business? Our client did exactly the right thing...
Six weeks ago, I received a call that would unfold into a classic tale of business growth and the challenges that come with it. The caller was a small engineering manufacturing company based here in Christchurch, facing a serious predicament. Following an inspection, WorkSafe had issued them three improvement notices, along with a tight deadline to amend their safety oversights—or face the grim prospect of enforced closure.
This scenario is not uncommon. Like many small businesses experiencing rapid expansion, this company had significantly increased its staff and the scope of services offered to clients. Unfortunately, their health and safety measures had not kept pace with these changes, leaving them non-compliant with the Health and Safety at Work Act and related regulations.
Recognising the urgency of their situation, I set out to help them address the inspectors' concerns. The first step was to create a clear, structured safety improvement plan. This included specific actions, deadlines, and responsible parties, along with a vision of what 'good' would look like once the improvements were implemented.
To tackle the technical aspects of the notices, we brought in subject matter experts to upgrade their respiratory and ventilation systems. Simultaneously, we ensured their health and safety management system was overhauled to reflect these upgrades.
But technical fixes alone wouldn’t suffice. It was crucial that the entire team was engaged and understood the importance of these changes. To facilitate this, we organised safety talks, creating an inclusive environment where everyone was informed and on board with the updates.
The collaborative effort paid off. The WorkSafe inspectors returned and, satisfied with the transformations, lifted the improvement notices. The business was back on track, but more importantly, it now had a robust system in place to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.
The moral of this story? Don’t wait for regulatory authorities to knock on your door. If your business is growing, it's imperative to ensure your safety systems grow with it. Being proactive about health and safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your team, your reputation, and the future of your business.
If this resonates with you and you’re contemplating how to align your safety systems with your business growth, it’s the right time to reach out for professional guidance. Safety is a journey best navigated with the right expertise and foresight.
