My clients who have attended MHFA courses, and suicide awareness courses, have all said it has given them the confidence to talk to a person who is having a mental health event, or to recognise when someone may be feeling mentally unwell, to know how to respond and who to contact for help. I think this is what it's supposed to do. Given the high number of suicides in the construction industry, I think that's a plus!

I was asked to help with creating a Responsible Host Policy for a client after they did their risk assessment. I had a D&A testing company manager check it. The company also checked with their commercial vehicle insurance company before implementing the policy. It contains info about how and when the company will supply alcoholic drinks and the conditions (e.g., non-alcoholic drinks must also be supplied, and food, and a limit on what the company provides - keeping with NZTA road rules drinking limits - and each person consumes, etc. It also states expectations of employees. Seems to be working well, it is monitored closely, they have had no one abuse the privilege so far.

Contact Vanguard Group NZ (Brendan McLean) is the Director. They install traffic bollards, barriers, vehicle and pedestrian equipment. Their number is 0800 500 147. Brendan's email is:
brendanatvanguardgroupdotcodotnz.

Yes I completed this course a few years ago through Impac as well. It's quite comprehensive, and I recommend it.

As an accredited SafePlus Assessor I really believe in the tool. It focuses on people, rather than paper - which is what it's all about of course. An assessment can be conducted on any area of a business, or all of the business. If you decide to engage someone to do an assessment make sure that person is knowledgeable about the industry.

The ACC Risk Cards are good. They are now available online.

Laraine

I'm an accredited SafePlus Assessor (since Nov 2017). For what it's worth, here's my opinion:
I've only received two queries from large businesses and I've provided quotes. Interestingly, both were happy with the quotes I presented, but concerned about the amount of time needed to do an assessment (i.e., interviewing their personnel).
I think it's a good initiative because it is NOT a document-based audit.
However (and I know it's early days), I think ACC and WorkSafe should be doing more work in getting the information out there. I also think if there was a financial incentive (as there was for WSMP), there would be more interest - it's a no-brainer I'm afraid.
In a nutshell - maybe I purchased a white elephant! - I hope not coz it was expensive!

Kia ora everyone!
I'm a H&S Consultant based in Marlborough (LBT Workplace Safety Ltd).
I'm pleased to belong to this forum - I think it will be a great platform for seeking opinions/advice on "curly questions" and increase ones knowledge generally.