OSH and not for profit organisations

As a board member or trustee of a Not for Profit organisation you may think that the management of the organisation will take care of OSH obligations – not so.

Arising from the Pike River mine disaster and the report of the related Commission of Enquiry, the governing persons of Not for Profit organisations can no longer afford to abrogate responsibility for observing OSH requirements entirely to management.

This new focus is reflected in a document entitled “Good Governance Practices Guideline for Managing Health and Safety Risks” which was produced by the Institute of Directors in New Zealand Incorporated and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, in May 2013.

Labour Minister Simon Bridges is promising a major overhaul of Health and Safety legislation to allow for stronger penalties for workplace injuries and death.

New “directors duties” will be part of the reforms and these duties will apply equally to the corporate and Not for Profit sectors.

Board members and trustees of Not for Profits should now be busying themselves to work with management to develop their organisation’s strategies and business plans.

Although many Not for Profits are not involved with Pike River type dangers, there are risks and hazards which can affect health and safety of individuals in all business activities.