The Health and Safety Hub

Electric vehicles are transforming business fleets, but they also introduce new and often overlooked health and safety risks. In this episode,  Kevin Chambers  speaks with  Paul Gallagher , the former H&S Manager at Giltrap Group, about what organisations need to consider, from high-voltage systems and charging infrastructure to fire risk and safe vehicle placement. They also discuss the impor...

Kevin Chambers  sits down with investigator and author  Desai Link  to explore the critical role of oral testimony in workplace investigations. Moving beyond checklists and paperwork, Desai explains how effective conversations can reveal the deeper context behind incidents and lead to better outcomes. They discuss practical techniques for interviewing witnesses, testing evidence, and creating a co...

In this episode,  Rebekah Stevens  speaks with EMA Quality Assurance Manager  Kevin Chambers  about why a structured training needs analysis is critical for effective health and safety management. They explore how organisations can identify capability gaps, prioritise training based on risk, and ensure workers have the skills needed to operate safely. Kevin shares practical steps, from desktop ana...

Kevin Chambers  speaks with EMA Head of Advocacy & Strategy Alan McDonald  about the reforms to New Zealand’s health and safety legislation. They unpack what hasn’t worked under the current system, why a more risk-based approach is being introduced, and what the changes could mean for businesses of all sizes. Alan also shares concerns around carve-outs for small businesses, the importance of c...

Permits to Work are often misunderstood as just another layer of paperwork - but when used properly, they are one of the most effective tools for managing high-risk work. In this episode of The Health and Safety Hub, EMA’s  Kevin Chambers  sits down with  Reuben Turnpenny , Regional Safety Manager - Auckland at Fulton Hogan. Together, they unpack how Permits to Work function in real-world settings...

Is health and safety really a cost to the business, or can it be a driver of productivity and performance? In this episode of  The Health and Safety Hub , the EMA’s  Kevin Chambers  is joined by  Alexander Topp , Health and Safety Manager at  Briscoe Group , to unpack how smart safety decisions can deliver tangible operational and financial benefits. They explore real-world retail risks, from dist...

IIn this episode,  Kevin Chambers  is joined by  Brenton Harrison,  National HSW Manager at Lactalis Mainland Dairy, formerly part of Fonterra. They have a frank conversation about why contractor management remains one of the most misunderstood and inconsistently applied areas of workplace health and safety. Brenton challenges the idea that prequalification alone equals good contractor management,...

Drug and alcohol testing can be one of the most complex and sensitive areas of workplace health and safety. When is it lawful? What kind of testing is allowed? And how do employers balance safety, privacy and employee  rights? EMA Legal Counsel  Mauro Barsi  joins  Kevin Chambers  to unpack what employers need to know about drug testing in the workplace. They cover when testing is appropriate, the...

Paul Jarvie  talks with  Peter Oxley  from  ACC  about  Recovery at Work  and how it’s changing the way businesses support injured employees. They explore how using work as an active part of rehabilitation for injured workers with low complexity injuries, such as sprains and strains, can lead to better recovery outcomes.   In this episode they discuss what good Recovery at Work looks like in pract...

Kevin Chambers  talks with  Jessica Sturgess,  HSEQ Manager at 3 Group and Founder of Prepare Consultants, about the vital role of mentoring health and safety reps. They explore how mentorship builds confidence, teaches practical and soft skills, and helps reps progress in their careers. Jessica also shares advice on training, networking, and why investing in reps benefits both businesses and indi...

Rebekah Stephens  talks with  Paul Jarvie , Employment Relations & Safety Manager at the EMA, about why wellbeing goes beyond physical health and requires a holistic approach. They explore practical strategies for managing psychosocial hazards, embracing cultural diversity, and creating balanced, inclusive workplaces. Paul also shares insights on ISO 45003, communication best practices, and wh...

In this episode of  The Health and Safety Hub , Kevin Chambers is joined by Andy Evans for a thought‑provoking discussion on the philosophy of safety. Andy challenges the idea of safety as a standalone discipline, arguing instead that it is an outcome shaped by leadership, learning, critical thinking and the application of knowledge from many fields. Together, they explore concepts such as zero ha...

Kevin Chambers  talks to EMA facilitator  Peter Simunovich  about the growing challenge of burnout in the workplace. They explore why high performers are most vulnerable, how to spot early warning signs, and what managers can do to create a culture of trust and support. Peter also shares practical tools for identifying stress triggers and explains the legal duty of care under the Health and Safety...

In this episode of The Health and Safety Hub, Kevin Chambers talks to Neville Rockhouse, who was health and safety manager at Pike River Mine. They discuss what meaningful safety leadership really looks like in high‑risk environments. Neville shares practical insights on visible leadership, building trust, creating a no‑blame culture, and why “trust but verify” is essential for any effective safet...

In this episode, EMA Health and Safety Advisor Rebekah Stephens joins Paul Jarvie to unpack what real safety culture looks like, how leadership drives it, and why continuous improvement and trust are essential to creating safer, more engaged workplaces. If you're ready to take the next step in strengthening safety at your organisation, join the EMA’s Safety Culture Programme and help build a s...

Kevin Chambers speaks with ecoPortal Safety & Risk Specialist Craig Bleakley about the biggest challenges facing today’s health and safety reps. Craig explains why unclear expectations, limited access to information, and lack of organisational support can undermine a rep’s impact — and what good practice looks like. This is a practical conversation for both reps and leaders wanting to strength...

Becki Abbott is the Head of Health, Safety & Wellbeing at Auckland Council - New Zealand’s largest local government organisation and one of the biggest in Australasia. She leads a team of 42 specialists dedicated to supporting the safety and wellbeing of the council’s diverse workforce. In this conversation with Kevin Chambers, Becki explores how co‑design is reshaping the way health and safet...