Wellbeing, health and safety
Workplace wellbeing, health and safety are top priorities at MBIE.
On this page
As part of the Accident Compensation Corporation’s (ACC’s) Accredited Employers Programme (AEP), MBIE underwent its annual audit in October 2024. Once again, we achieved a ‘tertiary’ rating, the highest level of performance.
This rating, which we have consistently maintained since 2022, reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and best-practice frameworks in workplace safety.
As part of the AEP, MBIE partners with a third-party administrator to manage ACC claims. In the past year, 50 work-related and 48 non-work-related ACC claims were recorded (a decrease in both from the previous year), and no incidents required notification to WorkSafe New Zealand.
To further strengthen our safety culture, we continue to use WorkSafe New Zealand’s SafePlus quarterly surveys. These help us monitor progress and guide us towards becoming a ‘leading’ organisation in health and safety excellence.
To ensure strong leadership and strategic direction, our Wellbeing, Health, Safety and Security Governance Committee meets monthly. The committee is responsible for reviewing, approving and recommending actions, and conducting quarterly analysis to drive continuous improvement. The committee includes Senior Leadership Team members, general managers, subject matter experts, PSA representatives and health and safety representatives from across the organisation.
Managing critical risks
MBIE takes an all-hazards approach to managing critical wellbeing, health and safety risks. This includes addressing psychosocial hazards as part of our risk assessment and control processes. This year:
- The Get Home Safe App was upgraded, and this tool is now widely used by field workers for risk assessments and safety check-ins. It also allows staff to raise alerts in emergencies, supported by the National Communications Centre.
- Situational Safety and Tactical Communication Training is undergoing a 5-phase refresh, with Phase 1 (e learning foundations) completed in October 2024.
- Drive Safe at MBIE, a new e-learning module, was developed with input from field staff. It replaces three older driving courses and provides updated guidance to reduce driving-related risks.
- We strengthened risk management processes and systems for reporting and managing: challenging communications, duress alarm responses, contractor management, senior leadership engagement, and use of critical controls based on risk.