The passing of the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill presented a positive step forward for small retailers, according to Retail NZ.

The Bill, introduced by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden, provides greater clarity around health and safety obligations. It includes several changes that will give retailers greater certainty and reduce the administrative burden on small employers.  

“Some employers have found the current Act difficult to understand and, as a result, there has been an inconsistent approach to how businesses understand their duties and how they go about meeting their obligations,” said Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young.

“Streamlining compliance and ensuring their focus is on managing critical risks will relieve some of the pressure being felt by SMEs operating in low-hazard environments,” she added.

Young welcomed the improved clarity in the definition of the term ‘critical risk’ after the issue was raised by Retail NZ in its previous submission.

“We’re pleased to see the definition is now more explicit, and we hope that with further industry-specific guidance, retailers will be able to easily ensure they’re meeting their health and safety obligations,” she said.

The Bill also allows for tailored, industry-specific guidance and support through the updating and strengthening of Approved Codes of Practices (ACOPs). Retail NZ said a retail-specific ACOP will provide guidance on hazards within the sector, including psychosocial risks relating to crime, aggression, and violence. 

“We see this Bill as a step forward in providing small retailers a more focused, practical, and proportionate health and safety system,” Young said.