The largest and most accident-prone employer group - small business - is to get the safety message in a new ACC workplace safety programme.
Training and supervision, hazard management and emergencies and incident investigation will be featured in seminars and self-assessment materials.
ACC injury prevention workplace safety manager Geoff Wilson says the
programme, ACC WorkSafe Small Business, recognises that small- to medium-sized businesses have limited time and resources.
"Smaller employers find it harder to implement safety practices, because they don't have access to the same resources as their larger counterparts," he said.
"But they also have a higher claims frequency than the self-employed or large employers, and their average claim costs are higher."
In 2001-02, small employer injury claims totalled $17,700 for each $1 million of liable earnings.
This was more than three times the $5169 claim cost for large employers and more than the $15,799 for the self-employed.
The programme will initially focus on high-risk industries such as agriculture, forestry and wood processing, and building and construction.
Forestry and construction might appear to be big business, but large parts of their operations are often done by small subcontractors.
ACC WorkSafe Small Business will be delivered through partnerships with groups such as industry organisations and unions.
Wilson expects strong interest from industry organisations, which can use it to enhance their contribution and value to their members.
www.acc.co.nz/injury-prevention/safe-at-work/small-business/
