Author: Lois

BeAligned, Resources

ACC Presentation from Mike Baldwin

ACC Injuries-in-New-ZealandDownload

What does good Recovery at Work look like?

Workplace trials where ACC has partnered with businesses and industry groups show that organisations with strong Recovery at Work policies and processes help injured employees return to work an average of 14 days sooner. I would be happy to work one-on-one with any of your members to review their current approach, identify strengths, and explore opportunities to further enhance their Recovery at Work capability. Key focus areas include:

  • Senior leadership commitment
  • Support for suitable duties
  • People leader capability
  • Relationships with vocational rehabilitation partners
  • Embedding Recovery at Work processes throughout the organisation
  • Maximising the benefits of MyACC for Business

++++++++++++++

Get Extra support with our vocational rehabilitation- Stay at Work Program (SAW)

If you require additional support, or if your employee’s needs are more complex, ACC can assist through our Stay at Work (SAW) programme. This ACC-funded service provides access to a health professional (Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist) who will work with you and your employee to understand their recovery journey and develop a tailored plan to support their return to work.

In most cases, you can arrange a SAW programme directly with a provider of your choice, who will assess whether this service is appropriate for your employee.

Following is a link to a brochure with further information:

https://www.acc.co.nz/assets/business/quick-guide-extra-support-stay-at-work-programme.pdf

Below is a link to providers by region:

https://www.acc.co.nz/for-providers/treatment-recovery/referring-to-rehabilitation/vocational-rehabilitation-service-provider

++++++++++++++

We also have additional resources currently in development, which I will send through as soon as they are released by our Communications and Design team.

Upcoming Events

Taranaki Apprentice Challenge 16th October 2026 to be held at WITT

We have 12 teams participating, each supported by their own dedicated chaperone, with 12 Taranaki companies hosting hands-on challenges throughout the day. It is shaping up to be a fantastic opportunity for apprentices to put their skills to the test, experience different aspects of industry, and connect with businesses from across the region.
A morning tea BBQ has been organised to keep everyone fuelled for the day, with Theory Food catering lunch. We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of our local business community, which has embraced the Challenge and contributed so much to making the day possible.
The support has been exceptional, with businesses generously providing sponsorship, prizes, food and resources.
The prize pool continues to grow, and our goal is to ensure that every apprentice walks away with a prize and a great memory of the day.
It is fantastic to see Taranaki businesses coming together to support, recognise and celebrate our apprentices, while also investing in the future of our regional workforce. The generosity and enthusiasm shown by our local business community has been truly appreciated and is helping make this a very special event.
And, of course, the Shield is being dusted off and polished, ready to take pride of place for the winning team!

1953 BeSafe Apprentice Challenge flyer-R1Download
Upcoming Events

BeAligned Working Group Meeting 28th October 8.30am – 9.30am

Lois Eggers invited you to a Microsoft Teams Meeting:

BeAligned Working Group
Wednesday, 28 October 2026
08:30 – 09:30 (NZST)

Meeting link: BeAligned Working Group | Microsoft Teams | Meet-up-Join

Rob Kirkwood presenting –

Beyond the Numbers: Why TRIFR and LTIFR May Be Telling Us the Wrong Story

Are TRIFR and LTIFR really measuring safety, or simply counting injuries? Join us as we explore why traditional injury rates are poor predictors of serious injuries and what leaders can measure instead to better understand risk, learning, and the capacity for safe and reliable work.

Past Events

Leaders Engagement 16th July

16th July 2026 8.00am to 10.00am at The Novotel

This presentation by Samantha Turner (Barrister, Stout Street Chambers) focuses on two key topics:

  1. The High Court Gibson decision involving the former Ports of Auckland CEO.
  2. The 2026 amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and what they mean for businesses and directors.

The Gibson decision confirms that directors and senior leaders must do more than rely on health and safety systems being in place. They must actively verify that critical safety controls are working in practice and understand how work is actually carried out (“work as done”), not just how it is intended to be done

The reforms create a two-tier system:

  • Small PCBUs (fewer than 20 workers) have reduced obligations, with duties focused mainly on critical risks.
  • Large PCBUs (20 or more workers) retain their existing duties but must clearly prioritise critical risks and provide stronger governance oversight.
BESAFE TARANAKI JULY 2026 HSWA Changes and GibsonDownload
BeAligned, Best Practice, Monthly Focus, Resources

Powerco – Safety Around Power Lines

Safety Around Power LinesDownload

Contact details for Powerco’s Health & Safety Business Partners

Electricity

Chris Clarke
Taranaki, Whanganui, Rangitikei
Chris.Clarke@Powerco.co.nz

Edward Dennis
Palmerston North, Manawatu, Wairarapa
Edward.Dennis@powerco.co.nz

Sean Heasman
Coromandel, Tauranga, Tokoroa/Valley
Sean.Heasman@powerco.co.nz

Gas Distribution :

Tomas Haerewa
Across Entire Gas Network
Tomas.Haerewa@powerco.co.nz

Our Generic contact email is:
HSEQ@powerco.co.nz

Powerco Map with location details

Powerco Map with location details (1)Download
BeAligned

Back to Work Engagement

With the holidays behind us, it’s a good time to check in on how our teams have re-connected with health and safety as they’ve settled back into work. Coming back after a break can bring a bit of rust and a few distractions, so today we want to share what each company has done to re-engage their people — what worked, what didn’t, and what ideas we can borrow from each other.

The aim is simple: make sure we all start the year on the same page, with our people focused, supported, and working safely.

BeSafe – Back to Work EngagementDownload
Back to work 2026Download
BeAligned Library, Resources

Measuring Mental Wellbeing – Business Leaders H&S Forum

https://www.forum.org.nz/resources/measuring-mental-wellbeing

Organisations can spend time and money on mental wellbeing intiatives, often with no or little understanding on whether they are addressing a mental wellbeing risk within the organisation, or whether the initiatives are improving outcomes.

This guide will help CEOs, senior executives and health and safety managers to understand how mental wellbeing activity in their organisations can be assessed and monitored, to improve mental wellbeing outcomes for people. 

Be Engaged, Past Events

Better Work by Design – Fix the Work, Support the People

BWBD overview and pricing October 2025Download

BWBD is a proprietary 5-stage process developed by Leading Safety. It enables the identification and management of work-related factors that either harm or are protective of wellbeing. 

The Card Sort Process demonstrated at the workshop is only Stage 2 of the overall process. The others are all equally important to ensure the success of an intervention of this type.

The attached information sheet gives details of the overall process, how you can purchase cards to use in your own organisation and the support that can be provided to ensure the success of this process in your own organisation.

As an Associate of Leading Safety I can support you across all five stages of the BWBD process.

Please contact me if you would like any further information or to discuss how I can work alongside you.

Fiona Ewing

CMInstD CMNZISM

M: +64275028065

Best Practice, Resources

Trailer Safety Videos

https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-tow-a-trailer?from=10134. https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-load-a-trailer. https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/what-trailer-is-right-for-your-towing-job. https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/10-tips-for-towing-a-trailer-this-winter. https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/everything-you-need-to-know-about-tow-balls?from=10134. https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/how-to-reverse-a-trailer?from=10134. https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/diy/trailer-maintenance-tips-with-hirepool?from=10134.

Past Events

ACC Connect Session

Date: Thursday, 3rd April Time: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Venue: Energyworks, 231 Connett Road East, Bell Block, New Plymouth

Come and listen to Mike Baldwin, ACC Relationship Manager, as he presents key updates on the current ACC programme. This is a valuable opportunity to learn how ACC can support you and your organisation with ACC-related queries.

Key topics include:

  • ACC General Information
  • Key Statistics
  • Experience Rating
  • Recovery at Work
  • My ACC for Business Update
  • Integrated Care Pathways Musculoskeletal (ICPMSK)
  • Employer Reimbursement Agreement (ERA)
  • Q&A Session

We look forward to welcoming you to this informative session and encourage you to take advantage of this chance to ask your questions directly to an expert.

Please register to :  lois@besafe.org.nz

Be Engaged, Past Events

Effective Governance by Example

20th March 8.00am – 10.00am

The Devon Hotel Devon Street East, Strandon 
 
BeSafe Taranaki are proud to host this BeEngaged session on how key leaders apply governance to health and safety in their respective organisations.
Join our panelists to discuss leadership commitment and their role of senior leadership in fostering a culture of safety and ensuring that health and safety is integral to the organisation’s governance framework.
 

 Panelists:
Simon Craddock – CEO, Port Taranaki Ltd
Simon joined Port Taranaki as CEO in October 2021. He has over 20 years of experience in professional services, engineering, aviation, and governance. Simon has held senior management positions at Air New Zealand and worked at Deloitte and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. He is known for his expertise in corporate strategy, operations, and performance improvement.
 
Paul Goodeve – CEO, Clarus
Paul Goodeve has been at the helm of Clarus as Chief Executive since 2016 and has a wealth of experience in both regulated and non-regulated transmission and distribution energy infrastructure. His leadership has been pivotal in developing and implementing Clarus’ strategic business plan and driving forward key renewable energy projects. Paul is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Directors. He currently serves as a Director of the Gas Industry Company and on the board of Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum.
 
 
Campbell Mattson – Director, Location Homes & North Taranaki ITM
Campbell is the Managing Director of Location Homes. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the construction and development industry and is known for his leadership in building and design. Campbell has been actively involved in addressing post-COVID-19 economic and mental health challenges in the construction sector and is a current board member for Construction Health and Safety NZ (CHASNZ) and founder, past Chair of Building Wellness Taranaki. The recent purchase of saw milling and frame and truss manufacturing operations have placed Campbell even further towards the very pointy end of personal safety and risk management.
 
Register for this event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/effective-governance-by-example-tickets-1266394222209?aff=oddtdtcreator

Members:                 $30.00
Non-Members:       $35.00

Past Events

ICAM Training

5th/6th November  and  3rd / 4th December – ICAM Training

Two training delivery date options are available:

Tue 5 – Wed 6 November 2024  West Lounge, TSB Hub, Waihi Rd, Hawera

Tue 3 – Wed 4 December 2024  Southern Lounge, TSB Hub, Camberwell Rd, Hawera.

Each two day course runs from 0830 – 1630 hours each day.

All course materials will be provided by Impac.

The cost will be approximately $1095 plus GST per plus catering. Spaces are quickly filling up!

Register by contacting Jill Manaia: jill.manaia@stdc.govt.nz

Be Engaged, Past Events

Machine Guarding Workshop

14th November 2024 – NZISM Workshop – Machine Guarding

14th November from 8am – 12:30pm at the Plymouth Hotel

Guest speakers include Hamish Baker from TEG Risk; Joe Bain from Motivated Design & Analytics and Lou Ochsner from Pact Group. Check their profiles on the registration webpage.

This will be an informative session to challenge the thinking and approach for machine guarding. What are the legal considerations? What about examples in practice? What should be looked at during checking, maintenance and auditing? How can tech & AI help?

Equipment operation occurs in most business and workplaces, so do we have the effective tools (and thought process) to improve the safety considerations for the user experience.

How do we affectively assess the interface and interactions between the user and the equipment, and what challenges and innovations are there to ensure people are kept from unintentional harm.

Registration is open to both members ($50) and non-members ($75) – for a 4 hour workshop we’ve worked hard to keep the event costs to a minimal AND morning tea will be provided.

Register here: Upcoming Event: Taranaki Branch: Machine guarding workshop – New Zealand Institute of Safety Management

If you work with organisations (and their people) that would benefit from understanding and applying better practices to machine or equipment guarding and user interfacing then please share this opportunity!

BeAligned, Past Events

BeAligned Webinar PPE & Respiratory Fit Testing

Safety in the workplace is more critical than ever, ensuring proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Fit Testing is key to protecting ourselves and others.   This Webinar is an opportunity to learn about new innovations and to ask questions about any concerns you may have.

Lois Eggers invited you to a Microsoft Teams Meeting:

BeAligned Webinar – PPE & Respiratory Fit Testing
Tuesday, 10 September 2024
9:30 am – 10:30 am (NZST)

Meeting link: BeAligned Webinar – PPE & Respiratory Fit Testing | Microsoft Teams | Meet-up-Join

Be Engaged, Past Events

BeSafe Taranaki Trust & CHASNZ Workshop

  • Contractor Management/Totika
    • How prequal helps and howe it doesn’t ( some more myth busting)
    • Contractor Management and pre supplier selection
  • The Energy Wheel – an effective way of managing safety risk in the workplace
    • Why we aren’t very good at seeing and responding to hazards in the workplace
    • How to increase our awareness of hazards by utilising the energy wheel
    • Practical ways to use these tools in your workplace
  • How sprains and strains are creating a burden on your workers lives and business productivity
    • The link between physical and mental wellbeing
    • What you can do to prevent and manage sprains and strains in your business

Tickets Available https://www.eventbrite.com/e/besafe-taranaki-trust-chasnz-workshop-tickets-925443044057?aff=oddtdtcreator

Incident Learning

Working Around Electricity Assets

In December last year Powerco had an  incident,  and an alert went out re scaffolding and working too close to electricity assets.

They just found out today there has been another very near miss that occurred this week outside Harvey Norman with a different set of scaffolders and roofers.

They are very concerned that our roofers and scaffolders in Taranaki are not following the proper Close Approach Consent process and it’s a matter of if, not when, someone will be killed if erecting and dismantling scaffolding near their lines without the proper processes being followed continues.

Companies bringing onto their sites roofers and scaffolders, please reiterate this alert to them and please share this message amongst our wider business community.

2023-12-Scaffolding-near-OH-LinesDownload
Be Engaged, Past Events

BeSafe Taranaki & The Business Leaders Health & Safety Forum – October 13th 2023

Invite: The true state and cost of New Zealand’s health and safety performance



with economist Shamubeel Eaqub



Kia ora All

I am pleased to invite you to our New Plymouth Forum  to hear the insights from our inaugural State of a Thriving Nation report.

This report will be released in late August, and will help us to understand the state of the country’s health, safety and wellbeing performance – in context of the current economic cycle and international comparisons. 

We have engaged economist Shamubeel Eaqub to pull this together, considering health and safety leadership practices and how they impact on business decisions, the economic cycle, and the upcoming general election.

Join Shamubeel and myself to hear the insights from this report, the cost of our health and safety performance to the New Zealand economy, and the work government, regulators and business leaders need to do to improve outcomes for our people, businesses and economy.

Thank you to EMA Auckland, Silver Fern Farms, Nelson Chamber of Commerce, BeSafe Taranaki, Port of Tauranga, H.W. Richardson, and Chapman Tripp for hosting these events with the Forum. 


New Plymouth – Friday 13 October
11am-1pm
Novotel, Cnr of Hobson and Leach Streets, New Plymouth

https://www.forum.org.nz/events-and-courses/state-of-a-thriving-nation-forum-roadshow/.

Francios Barton

Uncategorized

Alisha Picard

Now the GM Asset Management & Assurance at Port Taranaki, Alisha’s previous experience sees her bring 25 years of knowledge and insights in the health, safety and risk management fields. She had worked in a diverse range of industries and on many high hazard sites including in the oil and gas, construction, demolition, manufacturing, electricity distribution, local government, and Port sectors. 

Alisha holds formal qualifications in health and safety and is a registered professional member of NZISM.

Uncategorized

Tom Boon

Tom Boon has been a part of the New Zealand forest industry for over 25 years.  He joined Taranakipine in 2007 as CEO and shareholder after a long career within corporate forestry and wood processing companies in both NZ and Australia.   

•Originally staring his career as a forester, Tom after a few years became interested in the conversion of the trees he was growing into high value finished wood products.  This interest has not waned, and Tom now leads Taranakipine which specialises in the manufacturing and marketing of engineered timber building products sold locally and to export customers.  The most recent venture is the launch of Woodspan Ltd which supplies mass-timber engineered timber solutions directly to New Zealand’s construction industry. 

•His ambition for a successful and durable NZ wood manufacturing industry has led him to be actively involved in several forestry and wood processing national organisations over the past 15 years.  

BeAligned, Monthly Focus, Resources

Temporary Works

For July, we have partnered with EnergyWorks to look at elements around the concept of “temporary works”. These are works that are there for a temporary duration (e.g. scaffolding, rigging, piping, hoses,  buildings) that often are in place to enable permanent works to be done.

Temporary Works often don’t need to meet industry standard and code, but regrettably still follow the basic laws of physics, and as such often require their own specific risk assessment and dedicated controls. Often, temporary can become permanent.

This presentation shows examples of temporary works. Use it to challenge what works you have in your own business that are considered temporary, what standards and codes they are managed under, and whether or not they have snuck across to being permanent.

Many thanks to Geoff Bourke and his team for this contribution

Be-Safe-Temporary-Works-Presentation-V2Download