Reference: OIA 240771
1 October 2024
Andrew F
[FYI request #28234 email]
Kia ora Andrew
Thank you for your Of icial Information Act request, received on 29 August 2024. You
requested:
In light of recent reporting of systemic healthcare staffing shortages to the public health
system, I had a few inquires under the OIA for Worksafe in regards interactions with
the Ministry of Health in conducting its legislative function of enforcing safe working
conditions for both workers and the general public.
1. Please provide all information, reports, and internal communications over the last
five years regarding concerns raised about inadequate staffing in the healthcare sector
under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
2. How many complaints or reports has Worksafe received over the last five years
related to inadequate staffing in medical facilities operated by the Ministry of Health?
Please provide a breakdown by year and type of complaint (e.g., unsafe working
conditions, overwork, lack of sufficient staff, etc.)
3. Please provide data on notifiable incidents reported to Worksafe over the last five
years that mention inadequate staffing as a contributing factor. Include the nature of
these incidents, outcomes, and any follow-up actions taken.
4. How many investigations has Worksafe conducted in the last five years into
incidents or complaints where inadequate staffing was identified as a potential hazard
in medical facilities? Please provide details of the findings, outcomes, and any
recommendations made.
5. Has Worksafe identified any patterns or trends over the last five years related to
inadequate staffing in healthcare facilities in the course of undertaking its investigation
or research function? If so, please provide details, including any sector-wide guidance
or warnings issued.
6. Please provide details of any enforcement actions taken by Worksafe over the
last five years in response to inadequate staffing in medical facilities operated by the
Ministry of Health, including any Improvement Notices, Prohibition Notices, or
prosecutions.
7. What steps has Worksafe taken to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety
at Work Act 2015 in relation to staffing levels within healthcare facilities as a result of
workplace assessments or audits? Include any specific initiatives or audits carried out.
8. Please provide data on work-related injuries and il nesses in medical facilities
operated by the Ministry of Health over the last five years where inadequate staffing
was mentioned as a contributing factor.
9. Has Worksafe conducted or reviewed any studies or reports on the impact of
inadequate staffing on staff or patient safety in healthcare facilities? If so, please
provide copies or summaries of these findings
10. What proactive measures has Worksafe recommended as part of its
investigation(s) to address the risks associated with inadequate staffing in healthcare
facilities? Please include any guidance provided to healthcare employers or industry
bodies.
11. What recommendations has Worksafe made to the Ministry of Health or
healthcare providers to mitigate the risks associated with inadequate staffing, and what
actions have been taken in response?
On 9 September 2024 WorkSafe invited you to refine your request but no response was
received.
On 30 September WorkSafe extended the time to respond to your request by 20 working
days. A decision on your request is now due by 5 November 2024.
WorkSafe does not hold information relating to the part of the request for
Please provide data
on work-related injuries and il nesses in medical facilities operated by the Ministry of Health
over the last five years where inadequate staffing was mentioned as a contributing factor.
This information is more likely to be held by Health New Zealand - Te Whatu
Ora. Accordingly, we have decided under section 14(b)(i) of the Of icial Information Act to
transfer this part of the request to Health New Zealand - Te Whatu
Ora. The other parts of
the request wil remain with WorkSafe.
Please note that Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora must decide on the request as soon
as practicable, and no later than 20 working days from receipt of this transfer notification.
Nāku noa, nā
Mark Johnson
Head of Insights
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