The Health and Safety Hub

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, arguing that organisations often put far less time, effort and oversight into contractors than employees — despite contractors frequently performing higher-risk work. Brenton is a co-founder of the The Circus of Safety podcast. He is also a graduate of the EMA’s NZ Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management (Level 6), the country’s only face‑to‑face NZQA Level 6 programme for health and safety professionals. More information on the EMA’s health and safety training courses can be found here:Health and Safety Courses: Discover Professional Training | EMA.This podcast series is proudly produced in partnership with nib.

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 practice, including the importance of early communication, understanding medical certificates, creating meaningful suitable duties, and working collaboratively with medical providers to help employees return to work sooner and safer. More information about the Recovery at Work can be found on the ACC website here: Supporting your injured employee to recover at work This podcast series is proudly produced in partnership with nib.

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 why listening is the key to healthier teams.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 stronger, safer workplace culture. Learn more at:Safety Culture Programme a proactive approach to health and safetyThis podcast series is proudly produced in partnership with nib.

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 at Work Act (HSWA).Peter imparts his passion for public and psychosocial workplace mental health through his health and safety training. As well as using his training skills for the EMA, Peter teaches human sciences and has lectured in public health at universities and polytechnics across Auckland.More information on the EMA’s health and safety training courses can be found here: Health and Safety Courses: Discover Professional Training | EMAThis podcast series is proudly produced in partnership with nib.

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 stronger, safer workplace culture. Learn more at: ema.co.nz/services/health-and-safety/safety-culture-programme. This podcast series is proudly produced in partnership with nib

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 safety training is delivered. She shares insights into the power of learning teams, worker voice, and strong facilitation skills in creating training that reflects real work - and ultimately delivers better safety outcomes.Becki is a graduate of the EMA’s NZ Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management (Level 6), the country’s only face‑to‑face NZQA Level 6 programme for health and safety professionals.More information on the EMA’s health and safety training courses can be found here: Health and Safety Courses: Discover Professional Training | EMA.This podcast series is proudly produced in partnership with nib.