3 December 2019

The completion of an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) by Woods Glass has highlighted some of the benefits of the WorkSafe enforcement tool that serves as an alternative to prosecution.

In 2018 a Woods Glass worker suffered crushing injuries to their leg while operating a glass cutting machine. Woods Glass applied to WorkSafe successfully for an EU, a voluntary agreement between WorkSafe and a duty holder following a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Woods Glass is a medium sized business specialising in glass supply and commercial glazing, with branches across the country. As part of its EU the company was required to develop resources and implement a suite of initiatives to benefit its workplace and workers.

This included modifying its migrant worker induction programme so it is easier to understand. The company also now offers interpretation services for all employees who request it.

WorkSafe representatives and Woods Glass recently met to discuss the EU’s completion.

The company’s Operations Manager Tim Reilly said the process was laborious but rewarding.

“Going through the EU was a huge investment for our company,” Mr Reilly said. “A huge amount of work went into seeing this process through. As a medium sized business the work has been onerous and at times really tough – but it has been invaluable.

“Two years on from the incident we are different. Our workers speak up when they see unsafe behaviour.

“We have seen a change in health and safety culture ripple through the business and we hope this benefits the wider industry.”

WorkSafe’s Enforceable Undertaking Spokesperson Cordell Weir said the completion of the Woods Glass EU shows the benefit of the process to smaller companies.

“The work completed as part of Woods Glass’ EU will provide long term sustainable health and safety improvements in the workplace, industry and community.

“An EU isn’t meant to be an easy task. A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes for these companies to see the process completed.

“It’s positive to hear another business has found the benefits of the model outweigh the sometimes arduous work.”

For more information see the Woods Glass EU.