Site Safe & Master Builders speak up for members on Health & Safety Regulation

Site Safe New Zealand and the Registered Master Builders Association New Zealand (Master Builders) have submitted a joint submission on behalf of their members for the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s consultation on New Zealand’s work health and safety regulatory system.

As two of New Zealand’s largest membership bodies for the building and construction industry, Site Safe and the Master Builders are at the frontline of the industry’s interactions with the health and safety regulatory system and have a role to advocate for their members.

“We are submitting on behalf of 6,621 Site Safe members and 3,000 members of the Master Builders, predominantly made up of small-to-medium businesses in construction and building, who have entrusted us with their feedback,” explains Brett Murray, Chief Executive of Site Safe.

“Site Safe’s own connection to industry groups and our mandate from the Vertical Construction Leaders Group makes us well placed to comment on the state of health and safety in the sector.”

"Master Builders is committed to enhancing health and safety standards across New Zealand's construction sector,” adds Master Builders Chief Executive, Ankit Sharma.

“Our joint submission with Site Safe highlights the need for clearer regulatory guidance, and a more collaborative approach from WorkSafe. By fostering a culture of safety and clarity, we can protect lives and livelihoods across the industry."

The submission emphasises the importance of collaboration between industry representatives and regulators to create fit-for-purpose solutions and improve health and safety outcomes in the construction sector.

Most members of both bodies are small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) who are seeking a more simplified and consistent regulatory approach and guidance that is clearer and easier to comply with.

As industry organisations, Site Safe and Master Builders recognise that, as the primary regulator, WorkSafe has a vital role to play in improving safety outcomes in the construction sector. Both organisations are committed to engaging with and supporting WorkSafe in working more effectively with the industry.

Through cooperation and coordination and clearly set out expectations, Site Safe and the Master Builders believe there are opportunities for the building and construction sector to become a safer industry for New Zealanders to work in and see the shifts that have been made in comparative countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom.