Panel discussion from the National Health & Safety Leaders’ Summit | From Left: Marie Wisker, Partner, Chapman Tripp | Craig Marriott, Principal, Craig Marriott Consulting | Peter Reidy, CEO, KiwiRail | Chris Jones, Director Global Health, Safety & Wellbeing, Fonterra
From Compliance to Critical Thinking
The landscape of workplace health and safety is undergoing a profound transformation, with boards and CEOs taking a more active and engaged role than ever before. Gone are the days of simple compliance checklists; today, the emphasis is on fostering a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of operational realities.
This shift was a central theme at the recent National Health & Safety Leaders Summit Panel Discussion, where experts highlighted the evolving nature of governance in this crucial area.
The Impact of Updated Guidelines and Legal Precedents
Recent updates to governance guidelines, coupled with landmark legal cases, are driving this change. “There’s been a huge development since those types of questions to where we are now,” said Marie Whisker, Partner at Chapman Tripp, referencing the shift from basic compliance inquiries to more probing investigations. The updated “Governance Guide to Health and Safety” by the Institute of Directors, WorkSafe, and other organisations is proving to be a valuable tool in this transformation.
The effects of legal cases, such as the one involving the Port of Auckland, are also making a large impact. As Peter Reidy, the CEO of KiwiRail, stated, “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past or where you’re at, you can fall short.” This statement shows the need for constant vigilance.
“Show Me, Don’t Tell Me”: Demanding Concrete Evidence
A key aspect of this evolving approach is the demand for concrete evidence. “Show me, don’t tell me” has become a rallying cry, with boards insisting on verifiable proof of safety measures. Reidy explained how his board now requests to see the actual audits and verification tools being used, rather than just receiving reports.
This emphasis on verification is crucial for ensuring that safety measures are not just on paper, but are effectively implemented in practice.
“It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past or where you’re at, you can fall short.”
Peter Reidy, CEO KiwiRail
