It’s been well over a decade since New Zealand’s health and safety landscape was shaken to its core by the Pike River disaster, and yet fatality rates remain alarmingly high. Have we moved forward at all, or are we just treading water? As a nation now, we’re navigating through a mix of positive developments, emerging trends, and unsettling cutbacks in health and safety. From growing mental health awareness to reduced investments in safety personnel, the stakes are higher than ever. Amidst the challenges, new opportunities for engagement and innovation are shining through.
Journey with me over the next 2,000 words as we explore the current landscape of health and safety in New Zealand—where we stand, the obstacles we face, and how we can turn the tide towards a safer future for all.
These concepts are based on my recent presentation at ePIC—ecoPortal’s conference for health and safety leaders.