WorkSafe New Zealand, the primary regulator for workplace health and safety, plays a crucial role in ensuring that businesses across the country follow appropriate safety measures. One of the key functions of WorkSafe NZ is to appoint Approved Compliance Certifiers. These professionals are responsible for assessing and certifying various aspects of hazardous substances use, ensuring that businesses comply with the law.
What is a Compliance Certifier?
A Compliance Certifiers are individuals approved by WorkSafe to certify certain work, equipment, and safety measures under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its regulations. These individuals have demonstrated expertise and competence in their field and have been authorized by WorkSafe to assess compliance with specific safety standards.
The Role of Compliance Certifiers
Compliance Certifiers perform a wide variety of tasks, depending on their area of expertise. Here are some of the common responsibilities:
- Assessing and Certifying Locations for Hazardous Substances: Certain locations where hazardous substances are manufactured, used, stored, or handled may need to be certified. They assess whether these locations meet the specified requirements under the hazardous substances regulations.
- Certifying Equipment and Safety Measures: They are responsible for certifying various types of equipment, safety devices, and protective systems used with hazardous substances. This may include pressure equipment, tanks, safety equipment, and more.
- Conducting Personnel Certifications: Certain activities involving hazardous substances require certified handlers. They assess and certify these handlers based on their competence and knowledge in handling hazardous substances.
- Inspecting and Auditing: They regularly inspect and audit businesses to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations. They may also provide reports to WorkSafe NZ on the compliance status of businesses.
- Providing Expert Advice: They often provide expert advice to businesses on how to comply with hazardous substance regulations, helping them understand and implement necessary safety measures.
Importance of Compliance Certifiers
The work of Compliance Certifiers is essential for both WorkSafe NZ and businesses dealing with hazardous substances. For WorkSafe NZ, they play a crucial role in enforcing safety regulations, ensuring that businesses meet the required standards, and reducing the risk of accidents.
For businesses, they are a valuable resource. They not only ensure that businesses comply with the law, but they also help to create safer work environments. By following the advice and recommendations of a Compliance Certifier, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with hazardous substances, protecting their employees and the general public.
In conclusion, Compliance Certifiers are an essential part of New Zealand’s health and safety landscape. Their work helps to ensure that businesses dealing with hazardous substances do so in a way that is safe, responsible, and fully compliant with the law. By providing expert assessment, certification, and advice, they make significant contributions to workplace safety and public health.
