Health and Safety

Does your equipment meet current standards?

We all love a bargain, a chance to get something a bargain, ask why. If an organisation is selling it to upgrade, cheaper than it would be if it were new – a there is a high chance that standards have changed. favourite piece of equipment, clothing or vehicle If you have had your old friend since Adam was a boy, there’s we’ll appreciate forever. It’s not as flash as brand an equally high chance that standards have moved on. new, but it still works, and we don’t want to let it go. One quick way to identify changes – or just the current

Whether equipment is bought at a standards – is to check out WorkSafe bargain or is a trusty old friend, we need New Zealand’s website. It has a list to be sure that it is safe and meets current If an organisation is of most of the current guidelines and standards. Unfortunately, ‘but it’s always been like this; it was top of the range when I selling equipment Approved Codes of Practice. Some of these are on the industry association’s got it’ is no excuse if something goes wrong. to upgrade, there website. The WorkSafe website would ‘I’m the only person who uses it; I wouldn’t let anyone else near it’ is is a high chance normally tell you this. An even quicker way is to ask your no better. that standards have health and safety consultant. They may Regardless of how good a bargain it was – or how old a friend – we must ensure our changed. not know every guideline or code, but they should understand where to find business equipment meets current standards. it and interpret it.

This may be guarding, emissions, fireproofing, reflection or You might not necessarily need to let go of the bargain or any one of a dozen things. old friend, but you may need to give it a birthday and bring it

How do we know when standards change? For starters, if it’s into the modern-day. 

How can Safewise help?

We work with organisations who need more health and safety knowledge – or more time – than they have in-house. For more information, check the website, safewise.co.nz

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About Tracey Murphy

Tracey Murphy is the owner and director of Safewise, a health and safety consultancy. She has more than 12 years experience working with organisations from many different industries. Tracey holds a diploma in health and safety management and a graduate diploma in occupational safety and health. She is a professional member of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management and is on the HASANZ register.

Danielle L. Beston

Barrister At Law

Transport Specialist Work Licences Log Book & Driving Hours Nationwide Road User Charges

Contributor to New Zealand Trucking ‘LegalLines’ Column

Telephone: 64 9 379 7658 mobile: 021 326 642 danielle.beston@hobsonchambers.co.nz