Health and Safety Policy

Our Commitment

Kāpō Māori Aotearoa is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all staff, volunteers, members, visitors, and contractors. We believe that the wellbeing of our people—both physical and mental—is paramount to our mission of supporting tāngata kāpō Māori and their whānau.

Purpose

This policy outlines our approach to health and safety, including our commitments, responsibilities, and procedures. It aims to:

• Promote a positive health and safety culture
• Prevent harm to anyone involved with our organisation
• Comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and other relevant legislation
• Incorporate Māori values and perspectives in our approach to wellbeing

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees and volunteers
• Board members and committee members
• Contractors and consultants
• Members and service users
• Visitors to our premises
• Anyone participating in our events or activities

Guiding Principles

Our approach to health and safety is guided by:

Te Whare Tapa Whā

We recognise health as encompassing:

• Taha tinana (physical wellbeing)
• Taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing)
• Taha whānau (social wellbeing)
• Taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing)

Risk Management

We take a proactive approach to identifying, assessing, and managing health and safety risks.

Continuous Improvement

We regularly review and improve our health and safety practices.

Consultation and Participation

We involve our people in health and safety decisions that affect them.

Responsibilities

Governance (Te Kahui Tumuaki)

• Provide leadership and oversight for health and safety
• Ensure adequate resources for health and safety
• Review health and safety performance regularly

Management

• Implement this policy and associated procedures
• Ensure risk assessments are conducted and controls implemented
• Provide appropriate training and supervision
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions
• Report to the board on health and safety matters

Staff and Volunteers

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety
• Take reasonable care that their actions do not adversely affect others
• Comply with reasonable instructions, policies, and procedures
• Report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly
• Participate in health and safety training and discussions

Key Focus Areas

Physical Safety

• Maintaining safe work environments
• Ergonomic considerations for workstations
• Safe handling practices
• Emergency procedures
• Vehicle and travel safety

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Promoting a supportive work environment
• Recognising and addressing workplace stress
• Providing access to employee assistance programs
• Supporting work-life balance
• Cultural safety and responsiveness

Specific Considerations for Tāngata Kāpō

• Accessible workplace design
• Appropriate orientation for new staff or visitors
• Assistive technology provision
• Emergency evacuation procedures adapted for vision-impaired people
• Regular assessment of specific needs

Procedures

Hazard and Risk Management

• Regular workplace inspections
• Formal risk assessment processes
• Documented controls for identified risks
• Review of effectiveness of controls

Incident Reporting and Investigation

• Prompt reporting of all incidents and near misses
• Investigation of causes
• Implementation of corrective actions
• Analysis of trends

Emergency Management

• Documented emergency procedures
• Regular drills and exercises
• First aid provision
• Crisis response planning

Training and Information

• Induction training for all new staff and volunteers
• Specific training for identified hazards
• Regular refresher training
• Access to health and safety information

Monitoring and Review

• Regular review of this policy (at least annually)
• Internal audits of health and safety practices
• Analysis of incident data and trends
• Consultation with staff and stakeholders on improvements

Disclaimers and Limitations

While we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment, we acknowledge:

• Each individual has primary responsibility for their own health and safety.
• We cannot eliminate all risks, particularly in environments outside our direct control.
• Staff providing support in community settings may encounter unpredictable situations.
• Our staff are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical advice or emergency medical services.
• We rely on accurate information from service users about their specific needs and conditions to provide appropriate support.

Limitations of Staff Support

Our staff:

• Are not expected to put themselves at risk to assist others
• May need to refuse or cease service if they reasonably believe a situation is unsafe
• Are instructed to contact emergency services in medical emergencies rather than attempting treatment beyond their training
• Cannot be responsible for the personal choices of service users that may affect their health and safety

Event Participation

Participation in our events or activities is at the individual's own risk, subject to:

• Reasonable accommodations being made for disclosed needs
• Participants following safety instructions
• Participants disclosing relevant health information that may affect their safety

Making a Complaint

If you have concerns about health and safety at Kāpō Māori Aotearoa, please contact:

Health and Safety Coordinator
Email: healthandsafety@kapomaori.org.nz
Phone: 0800 770 990

External Resources

• WorkSafe New Zealand: www.worksafe.govt.nz
• Mental Health Foundation: www.mentalhealth.org.nz
• ACC: www.acc.co.nz

This policy will be reviewed annually or after any significant incident or change in legislation.