The Republic of New Zealand Party

28th June 2007

Press Release
For immediate release.

SAFETY IN THE WORK PLACE.

Republicans Employment spokesperson Dave Llewell today expressed concern about the recent deaths on job sites around New Zealand, especially where a parent has been lost.

“These families now have a gapping hole. A provider has been lost,” said Mr. Llewell

We extend our sympathy both to the workers families, and associates, especially where there is the unfortunate but necessary intrusion by media and investigators as we saw in the recent Mt Wellington Quarry incident.

There are far too many accidents of recent, noted Mr Llewell. A person must be safe in their employment. What is wrong?

Workers must be able to return to their loved ones after a days work, and a responsible government must have in place a mechanism to protect our workers and those legally in the vicinity. Does O.S.H do this successfully? I don’t think so!

“It appears to me that this government department is just a prosecutor and not in the business of preventing such terrible accidents,” said Mr Llewell.

A Republican Government would redefine the role of O.S.H. having them become educators to enhance our Site Safe System

“We need to be better at preventing accidents, not just good at investigating them,” says Mr Llewell. We need to protect our selves, our workmates, and our families

The reinstatement of apprenticeships, learning from old masters and trade schools will not only lift our safety record but also provide our country with a better skills base.

Ends.