Six weeks ago, I received a call that would unfold into a classic tale of business growth and the challenges that come with it. The caller was a small engineering manufacturing company based here in Christchurch, facing a serious predicament. Following an inspection, WorkSafe had issued them three improvement notices, along with a tight deadline to amend their safety oversights—or face the grim prospect of enforced closure.
This scenario is not uncommon. Like many small businesses experiencing rapid expansion, this company had significantly increased its staff and the scope of services offered to clients. Unfortunately, their health and safety measures had not kept pace with these changes, leaving them non-compliant with the Health and Safety at Work Act and related regulations.
Recognising the urgency of their situation, I set out to help them address the inspectors’ concerns. The first step was to create a clear, structured safety improvement plan. This …