A $22 million investment by ACC into workplace injury prevention grants and subsidies will help make it easier for Kiwi businesses to keep their workplaces healthy and safe, says ACC Minister Iain Lees-Galloway.
“ACC will invest $22m over five years into an incentive programme to help businesses reduce workplace injury,” says Lees-Galloway.
The subsidies are designed to support small and medium-sized businesses to invest in training, equipment or advisory services that will have a direct impact on the health and safety of workplaces.
“This is particularly important for smaller businesses which haven’t previously been able to access this type of support because the barriers have been too high.
“The Government is determined to ensure that all New Zealanders can return home to their friends and whanau in the same health as when they began their day at work.
“The Government is serious about improving health and safety in Kiwi workplaces. Late 2018 I announced the Health and Safety at Work Strategy to drive sustainable and system-wide improvements in workplace health and safety, and Worksafe currently invest around $15 million in similar workplace incentives.
“ACC supports the Government’s strategy through its injury prevention investments, injury management and rehabilitation services and levy products.
“While New Zealand workplaces have made progress since Pike River, it’s clear we have some way to go to achieve real, sustainable change. The ACC grants and subsidies will be important tools for achieving our aim to be among world leaders for workplace health and safety,” says Lees-Galloway.