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WorkSafe NZ has published a report with 13 recommendations to improve vehicle-related health and safety and actively manage supply chain pressures to minimise vehicle-related risks.
Collaborating with Mackie Research, which specialises in human systems research, the New Zealand safety body is working with industry representatives to improve health and safety in the transport and logistics chain.
WorkSafe NZ data from 2019 shows that in transport, postal and warehousing, there were 57 fatal crashes, 170 serious injuries and 521 minor injuries involving trucks. Of these vehicle-related injuries, 147 required those involved to spend more than one week away from work.
‘These numbers are concerningly high, and it was clear there was some work needed to be done to try and create solutions to reduce vehicle-related risks,’ says Ruth Cook, WorkSafe Engagement and Implementation Lead.
‘There was also a lack of understanding of which interventions were most likely to improve the health and safety of transport workers. This meant there was a real benefit to the cross-sector approach so that together we can achieve better health and safety outcomes for workers in these sectors.’
The research involved reviews of existing research and initiatives and intensive engagement between industry stakeholders. Carried out over 11 months between April 2020 and March 2021, the collaborative project was designed to build on existing and new programmes of work by industry and New Zealand government agencies.
The 13 recommendations to minimise vehicle-related harm across supply chains represent a mix of five broad, enabling initiatives, with eight targeting specific areas.
‘We’re hopeful this research contributes to a step change in greater shared responsibility for safety by all parties influencing the supply chain,’ says Nick Leggett, chief executive at Road Transport Forum New Zealand.
‘The research’s findings support our view that typically harm is not the result of individual behaviour but rather the symptom of a system that is not working well.’
The recommendations include the formation of a system-wide representative group (the System Group), which will focus on continuous learning and directions, dissemination of information, and informed support for high-quality public and industry-led initiatives.
‘The research’s findings support our view that typically harm is not the result of individual behaviour but rather the symptom of a system that is not working well.’
The report, published last week, also recommends the creation of a work programme to define what ‘good work’ is in the supply chain context.
Strong leadership is highlighted as a priority area with a call for leadership at sector level and management/director level to be incentivised, building on existing models.
The report also recommends improved methods for monitoring and mapping risk and harm.
Another recommendation is that contextual information about incidents, near misses, and routine activities should be designed into data collection processes based on systems that have been demonstrated overseas.
‘The report also recommends improved methods for monitoring and mapping risk and harm.’
The report also calls for the development of guidelines for proactive use of vehicle safety technologies, focusing on education and coaching, worker engagement, and communication throughout implementation and on-going usage.
It also recommends a programme of work to map the system determinants of fatigue.