January Health & Safety Newsletter
- Angela Morland
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
Welcome to the First Health & Safety Newsletter of 2025!
Happy New Year! We hope you had a safe and refreshing holiday season. As we kick off 2025, this edition brings you important updates to help keep your workplace safe and compliant.
This month, we’re highlighting Site Safe’s scholarships for the Health and Safety in Construction Programme - an excellent opportunity to up-skill your team. We also cover new restricted entry intervals (REIs) for pesticides, designed to protect workers from exposure risks, and Ecostore’s $323k safety commitment, which sets a powerful example for the manufacturing sector.
Our WorkSafe guidance spotlight focuses on working safely in extreme temperatures, offering timely advice to manage risks as summer heats up across New Zealand. Don’t forget to check out this month’s Toolbox Talks for practical tips to keep your team engaged and safety-focused.
Here’s to a safe and productive year ahead!
Health & Safety Industry Updates
Stay on top of the latest changes in health and safety regulations and industry news. Here’s what you need to know this month:
New Restricted Entry Intervals (REIs) for Pesticides
WorkSafe has introduced new restricted entry intervals (REIs) for pesticides, effective from 10 June 2025. REIs specify the time workers must avoid treated areas unless wearing appropriate PPE, protecting them from harmful pesticide exposure. The intervals vary based on crop type, maturity, and the level of contact with treated foliage.
A quick guide is available to help PCBUs understand their responsibilities, including choosing the right PPE, maintaining equipment, and ensuring proper signage.
See the full list of REIs and access the guide here:
Scholarship Opportunities for Health & Safety in Construction Site Safe’s 2025 scholarships support learners in completing the Health and Safety in Construction Programme (HSCP), earning a Level 3 NZQA qualification.
Scholarships include free courses, mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical training in risk management and workplace safety. Open to anyone over 18 working in health and safety, construction, or related fields.
Learn more and apply here:
Ecostore’s $323k Commitment to a Safer Workplace
Ecostore has committed over $323,000 to improve health and safety practices following a serious chemical burn incident at its Auckland factory in 2023. WorkSafe’s investigation highlighted issues with PPE availability, staff training, and emergency management.
In response, Ecostore has entered into an enforceable undertaking, which includes:
Installing AI-driven hazard detection systems.
Upgrading equipment to minimise chemical exposure.
Funding a pilot programme supporting visually impaired workers.
Hosting a webinar to share lessons learned with the industry.
Ecostore’s investment goes beyond compliance, setting a new standard for safety in manufacturing. This initiative aligns with WorkSafe’s focus on reducing harm from hazardous substances in one of New Zealand’s highest-risk sectors.
Read more about the enforceable undertaking and hazardous substances risk management here:
WorkSafe Guidance
This Month's Highlighted Topic
Working Safely in Extreme Temperatures
Each month, we highlight a key safety topic based on WorkSafe New Zealand’s latest guidance. With summer in full swing, we’re focusing on working safely in extreme heat to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries.
Summary of the guidance:Extreme heat can place significant stress on workers’ bodies, leading to heat-related illnesses that can be fatal if ignored. This is particularly a concern for outdoor work in summer or indoor environments with high humidity or radiant heat, such as kitchens, laundries, or foundries. PCBUs (persons conducting a business or undertaking) are required to identify, assess, and manage the risks of extreme heat to protect workers’ health and safety.
Key takeaway for businesses:Conduct a heat risk assessment if workers show signs of overheating, work in high humidity, are exposed to radiant heat, or perform physically demanding tasks. Implement control measures such as providing rest breaks, access to water, and shaded or ventilated areas. A workplace health and safety professional can assist with assessments and tailored solutions.
Read more about this guidance on the WorkSafe website here:
Toolbox Talks – This Month’s Highlights
We send out fortnightly Toolbox Talks on SaferMe to keep your team informed and engaged with workplace safety. Here’s what we covered this month:
Interested in receiving Toolbox Talks? Contact us to sign up for SaferMe and get our ongoing safety support.
What is the SaferMe App?
The SaferMe App is a simple and effective way to keep all your health and safety manuals and documents in one place. Here’s what it can do for you:
Access Documents Anywhere, Anytime: You can view your health and safety documents wherever you are – in the office, on-site, or at home.
Stay Compliant: Ensure your business stays compliant with health and safety regulations by having easy access to the latest policies and procedures.
Better Communication: Share important health and safety updates instantly with your team.
Track and Report: Easily keep track of incidents and generate reports.
Risk Register & Site Sign in: Easily manage these records in your business.
Looking for Expert Health & Safety Support?
We provide customised health and safety management through our support package. With this, you’ll gain access to SaferMe, where we handle compliance, update your documents, and deliver fortnightly Toolbox Talks to keep your team informed.
Learn more about our SaferMe support packages, including monthly and yearly pricing, in our detailed info document.
Ready to get started? Fill out our signup form today!
Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s newsletter. We hope you find the information useful and relevant to your business. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Until next month, stay safe and take care!
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