LIFTING HEALTH & SAFETY
AND EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
The Government Procurement Rules support sustainable and inclusive procurement through the promotion of good practices for procurement planning, approaching the supplier community and contracting.
A key focus of the Rules is the importance of open competition – giving all businesses the chance to participate, and giving them enough time to respond to opportunities properly. They also help to align New Zealand procurement practices with international best practices, encourage more strategic procurement approaches, foster competition and innovation, resulting in better solutions, and promote broader environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes.
Lifting health and safety and employment standards refers to identifying contracts where vulnerable New Zealand workers may be involved in the supply chain, and developing a strategy to make sure that primary suppliers meet their health and safety obligations and comply with employment standards.
“Moving Beyond Compliance” Campaign
Inspired by challenges faced by their sister company, ATL Group, triggered by them receiving several major non-conformances in a previous audit, a campaign was launched by Henderson Demolition to revamp their Health, Safety, Quality, and Environment (HSQE) system. This initiative involved a thorough system assessment, identification of gaps, and implementation of improvements to enhance safety standards.
The campaign aimed to not only meet AS/NZS 4801 compliance but also lift standards beyond compliance to align with the international ISO 45001 standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management. This process involved a complete rewrite of their HSQE processes, to form a management system that was proactive rather than reactive.
The goal was ambitious, and successful—achieving no non-conformances in their audit and securing ISO 45001 certification within four months—demonstrating the company's commitment to industry-leading health and safety practices.
“Hazard a Thought” Campaign
The "Hazard A Thought" campaign, introduced by Henderson Demolition, aimed to create a proactive safety culture by encouraging employees to report even the smallest hazards before they could develop into more significant risks. The campaign was built on the principle that early identification and reporting of minor issues can prevent major incidents and enhance overall workplace safety.
A key aspect of the campaign was its simplicity and accessibility, offering a user-friendly reporting system that made it easy for employees to voice concerns without hesitation. By removing any barriers to hazard reporting, the initiative encouraged staff to take responsibility for their work environment and actively contribute to a safer workplace.
Within just eight months, the campaign achieved a remarkable 67% reduction in the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR), underscoring its effectiveness. This significant improvement reflects the campaign's success in fostering a culture of safety awareness, accountability, and prompt action, making the workplace more secure for all.
