As the country passes eight weeks under the COVID-19 Protection Framework, WorkSafe New Zealand says most business are doing the right thing.
It has issued infringement notices to six businesses but none have been related to the automotive retail or service trades.
WorkSafe Head of General Inspectorate Simon Humphries says the number of businesses which aren’t following the rules is a very small minority.
“When a concern is raised about a business, as part of our ‘educate first’ approach, we reach out to them and provide information about changes they need to make to be compliant,” Humphries says.
“Since moving to the Framework on December 3, WorkSafe has engaged with more than 1000 businesses. After we’ve engaged with them more than 95% of these businesses have made the changes they need to be compliant.
“A few businesses haven’t made changes to meet their COVID-19 requirements after being given this information.
“We understand people are interested in how WorkSafe is approaching what appears to be deliberate non-compliance from some businesses.
“WorkSafe is taking a considered approach to decisions on enforcement action to support the public health response to COVID-19 and ensure the health and safety of New Zealanders.
“While we understand it may be frustrating for people who are doing to right thing to see a business open and not following the rules, we need to work carefully and deliberately through our processes to ensure non-compliant businesses are held to account,” he says.
WorkSafe has issued infringement notices to businesses such as Lonestar New Lynn, Hammerhead Tattoos Limited, Oliver MMA Limited, Lotus Heart, My Barber Limited and the Saint Sebastien Restaurant.
