In a recent case where a company and its sole director were both charged with failing to notify the Department of Labour of a serious harm incident OSH was seeking fines for each of $50,000 – $100,000.

In this case the company and director were not charged with failing to take reasonable care not to injure their employee (who fell and injured his back), but only with failing to report to the Department of Labour (now the Ministry of Business & Innovation).  Both the company and director were each fined for the non-reporting.

The case illustrates the serious penalties that can be imposed in the Health & Safety area and the need to be fully aware of your responsibilities – not only to prevent accidents, but to report serious harm and not to interfere with the accident site.

The Judge commented on the failure to report resulting in OSH not being able to investigate the incident and prosecute those who may have been responsible.

If you need assistance with your Health and Safety responsibilities give me a call on (04) 473 6850.