Leaders urged to consider, test safe-start risk plans for Alert Level 3

With many organisations now considering how they will transition to Alert Level 3, the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum (the Forum) has today jointly issued advice to their members advising them to consider four key assurance principles for their safe-start risk plans.

“We know that this re-start will be totally different from a normal post-Christmas return,” says the Forum’s Executive Director, Francois Barton.

“Our workforce will be out of work rhythm and likely anxious, machinery will be cold, work processes new and markets anything but normal. This means we are re-starting in a uniquely amplified risk environment,” Mr Barton says.

“As a senior leader of a New Zealand business it’s crucial you have a clear, considered and coherent safe- start risk plan for how your organisation, and those who it relies on, will get back to work to stop the spread of the virus, ensure no-one gets seriously harmed, and allow you to be productive again.”

The most effective return to productivity is safely planned rather than hastily arranged.

“As a business leader or director your oversight of that plan is vital,” says CEO of the Institute of Directors Kirsten Patterson.

“To help assure yourself that your organisation’s plan is fit-for-purpose, the Forum and the IoD has put together four key assurance principles. We would strongly encourage any senior business leader or director to use these to test and approve their safe-start risk plan,” Ms Patterson says.

Those assurance principles are:

• Ensure your safe-start risk plan involves the people who’ll deliver it
• Address both COVID-safe controls and critical risk controls
• Take into account the range of current and extraordinary factors
• Take ownership and oversight of your safe start risk plan

The Forum has also developed a leadership resource for senior leaders to help focus their efforts and attention on the critical areas that matter in a COVID-19 environment. Download the resource below.

ENDS