WorkSafe funding cuts put forestry industry at risk

WorkSafe is discontinuing its funding safety programmes, withdrawing up to $15 million a year. According to ACC, which gives WorkSafe the money, this funding halt won’t affect the overall spending.

“This decision does not reduce the overall amount of funds that ACC allocates to injury prevention initiatives,” the agencies told Radio New Zealand at the end of February.

The agencies confirmed the funding loss after RNZ’s enquiries, with details provided after repeated questioning over two days.

The Forestry Industry Safety Council (FISC) faces a severe blow, with 35% to 40% of its $1.1 to 2 million annual funding now at risk. Simon O’Grady, council chair, expressed concerns over the amount of work that FISC would be able to continue. The council was preparing to axe three jobs and a programme in Gisborne and Northland, he said.

WorkSafe has not disclosed the potential impact on other agencies.

Late last year, WorkSafe cut more than 100 positions due to financial constraints. The agency has also faced ongoing criticism that it’s too soft on lawbreakers. Simon says the rationale for the funding cuts had not been made clear to them.

“If there’s reduced funding going into the programmes that directly affect health and safety in our forests and other industries, then you would imagine that... that would have a flow-on effect and we’re certainly concerned that might be the outcome.”

The agencies said the changes came about because the funding arrangement was for six years and both were now altering the strategies.

“We’ll be shifting our approach to ensure the funds are invested in line with these strategies and have the greatest impact,” said a joint statement from deputy chief executives, Tane Cassidy at ACC, and Paula Collins at WorkSafe.

WorkSafe told RNZ that the decision was made “very recently” and would tell its sector partners about “any potential impacts”.

A final funding round under the outgoing arrangement would run from 1 July to March 2025.

“ACC is now looking at opportunities to invest funds previously allocated to WorkSafe,” Tane and Paula said.

Simon says they were seeking talks with ACC along these lines. In the meantime, they would tighten their belt to focus funds on their core safety certification work

Source: Radio New Zealand