Hi, I'm Sherralynne. I have worked in then health and safety industry for 4 years. Previously employed by The Salvation Army as their Health and Safety Administrator/Rehabilitation Assistant and the Anglican Diocese of Waiapu as their Health and Safety/Quality Advisor. I graduated with my Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety last year and currently looking for new employment opportunities. It's great this forum is back up and running again. I used to subscribe to the forum a few years ago and missed it when it closed down.

I agree with Matthew about the media turning this issue into another political football. Surely the NZ public understand that health and safety is an important part of worker's wellbeing? The "all reasonably practicable" steps requirement in the HASAW Act covers this action. In my mind Corrections Officers don't have the luxury of being able to leave their workplace to purchase cool drinks, as they are in remote locations. The amount of gear they wear is another consideration that needs to be taken into account too.

Well put Peter. We need to ensure that PCBU's don't think that H&S is just a tick box exercise and their systems and processes are reviewed regularly.

Sounds really interesting Craig, count me in too.