LIFTING HEALTH & SAFETY
AND EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
The Government Procurement Rules support sustainable and inclusive procurement through the promotion of good practices for procurement planning, approaching the supplier community and contracting.
A key focus of the Rules is the importance of open competition – giving all businesses the chance to participate, and giving them enough time to respond to opportunities properly. They also help to align New Zealand procurement practices with international best practices, encourage more strategic procurement approaches, foster competition and innovation, resulting in better solutions, and promote broader environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes.
Lifting health and safety and employment standards refers to identifying contracts where vulnerable New Zealand workers may be involved in the supply chain, and developing a strategy to make sure that primary suppliers meet their health and safety obligations and comply with employment standards.
“Moving Beyond Compliance” Campaign
In early 2020, Henderson Demolition undertook a comprehensive campaign to strengthen its Health, Safety, Quality, and Environment (HSQE) management system. This work began with a full assessment of existing processes, identification of improvement opportunities, and targeted actions to enhance safety performance across the organisation.
The initiative focused on not only meeting the requirements of AS/NZS 4801 (essential for holding a Class A asbestos removal licence) but also lifting the organisation’s systems to align with the international ISO 45001 standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management. This involved a complete rewrite of HSQE processes to create a proactive, forward‑looking management system.
The outcome exceeded expectations: the company achieved an audit with no non‑conformances and secured ISO 45001 certification within four months, demonstrating a strong commitment to industry‑leading health and safety practice.
“Hazard a Thought” Campaign
The "Hazard A Thought" campaign, introduced by Henderson Demolition, aimed to create a proactive safety culture by encouraging employees to report even the smallest hazards before they could develop into more significant risks. The campaign was built on the principle that early identification and reporting of minor issues can prevent major incidents and enhance overall workplace safety.
A key aspect of the campaign was its simplicity and accessibility, offering a user-friendly reporting system that made it easy for employees to voice concerns without hesitation. By removing any barriers to hazard reporting, the initiative encouraged staff to take responsibility for their work environment and actively contribute to a safer workplace.
Within just eight months, the campaign achieved a remarkable 67% reduction in the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR), underscoring its effectiveness. This significant improvement reflects the campaign's success in fostering a culture of safety awareness, accountability, and prompt action, making the workplace more secure for all.
