WorkSafe has launched a new road cone tipline to address widespread concerns over excessive traffic management measures, as part of a major Government-led overhaul of the agency.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said the hotline would allow the public and industry to report instances of over-compliance in temporary traffic setups, particularly where excessive road cones and barriers have been used unnecessarily.
The initiative is the first step in a broader reform programme to shift WorkSafe’s focus from enforcement to early engagement and practical guidance.
Van Velden said the tipline would be supported by a joint education programme between WorkSafe, NZTA and key industry groups to promote a more risk-based approach to temporary traffic management.
“During my public consultation, I heard many concerns from a wide range of Kiwi businesses and workers about WorkSafe’s inconsistency, culture and lack of guidance,” she said.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden
“For too long, businesses and employers have asked for help from WorkSafe on how to comply with health and safety legislation, only to be told it’s not WorkSafe’s job. That culture is changing.”
She said the perception of WorkSafe as a punitive and inconsistent regulator had led to confusion and fear among businesses, undermining workplace safety efforts.
The agency has already begun cleaning up its online resources by removing 50 outdated guidance documents. More are expected to be deleted or replaced to ensure current practices and technologies are better reflected.
“Removing and replacing outdated guidance will make it much easier for people to find the help they’re looking for and ensures WorkSafe is giving consistent and clear advice,” van Velden said.
In a further move to increase transparency and accountability, WorkSafe’s budget will be restructured later this year into four categories:
- Supporting work health and safety practice
- Enforcing work health and safety compliance
- Authorising and monitoring work health and safety activities
- Energy safety
The public will also be invited to provide feedback on WorkSafe’s performance, including the timeliness and usefulness of inspections, guidance and other engagements.
A formal Letter of Expectations has been sent to WorkSafe, outlining the Minister’s vision for a more constructive and effective agency.
“I want to thank WorkSafe’s Board, Chief Executive and staff for acknowledging the work ahead, making WorkSafe’s work programme fit for purpose,” van Velden said.
