Food manufacturing visits finding safety gaps in machinery and hazardous substances

WorkSafe inspectors have visited more than 300 food manufacturing businesses since July as part of our focus on the sector this quarter to support safer work.

“At this midway point, the common issues requiring improvements are machinery safety and hazardous substances management,” says WorkSafe’s project lead Loren Molloy.

Machinery continues to be a main cause of harm in manufacturing, leading to about 200 injuries that result in more than a week off work each year.

Many serious injuries involve workers being caught in moving parts such as rollers, belts, or blades, often because machines were not adequately guarded or locked out.

A Christchurch commercial bakery was sentenced earlier this year after a worker’s hand was pulled into machine rollers, resulting in life-changing injuries.

“WorkSafe expects businesses to identify their hazards and put effective controls in place,” says Loren Molloy. “For machinery, that means proper guarding, isolating machines before cleaning or maintenance, and making sure workers are trained to work safely.”

Hazardous substances recordkeeping and safe storage are also frequently being found to need improvement at assessment visits, with too many businesses not even having a hazardous substances inventory. 

On a more positive note, inspectors have noted good worker engagement, participation and representation at many food manufacturing workplaces. 

“It’s encouraging to see many food manufacturers actively involving their workers in health and safety, ensuring they can suggest improvements and raise concerns,” says Loren Molloy.

Our proactive food manufacturing assessments will continue until the end of September. This engagement with businesses and workers is key to WorkSafe helping them to meet their responsibilities to ensure work is healthy and safe.