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A new Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) came into effect on Monday 4th April 2016. The new legislation has some important implications for anyone delivering classes and activities. It is vital that you take the time to understand the Act and your responsibilities.
Under the Act, a business or undertaking (PCBU) must look after the health and safety of its workers and any other workers it influences or directs. The business or undertaking is also responsible for the health and safety of other people at risk from its work including customers, visitors, or the general public. This is called the 'primary duty of care'.
There are some key things you need to consider and do in regards to the new Act as an activity provider, specifically:
- Having a written Health and Safety policy.
- Assessing the risks, and eliminating them or at least reducing them as far as it is reasonably practicable.
- Providing documented evidence that you assessed the risks and put in place measures to eliminate or reduce them.
- Reporting any notifiable incident to Worksafe.
Get more detailed health safety information, tools and resources on the Worksafe website.
Find information for those who engage volunteers in their activities from WorkSafe.
Get guidance and information on health and safety from Sport NZ, including online training.
Contact REPs for industry education and support around the new Health and Safety at Work Act.
Disclaimer: The information on the Active Canterbury website about the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 is for general guidance on your responsibilities and is not legal advice. Contact an adviser or solicitor for more details on your rights or legal advice about what action to take.
Basic first aid training is essential for all activity providers. Exercise professionals must ensure that the level of First Aid/Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is appropriate and relevant to the environment and conditions in which they deliver exercise. The specific First Aid/CPR needs vary depending on factors such as location, activities undertaken, and the number of clients under instruction:
- Exercise professionals operating only with a REPs Registered Exercise Facility require only CPR certification.
- All other professionals require an appropriate first-aid certification.
Read the REPs first aid policy and requirements for more information.
You can find out about local first-aid courses by contacting one of the many providers such as St John or the Red Cross.