Freezing works may be among the country’s most dangerous workplaces, but a key industry figure says the Government’s discounts on ACC levies will have little impact on the sector.
From April 1st next year the Government will reward safe workplaces in the form of levy discounts or no claims bonuses.
But Dave Eastlake, General Secretary of the Meat Workers Union, says because of the risks involved, meat companies are already among the most closely watched industries.
"As I understand it ACC is rated in the meat industry at the present time through and then employers who are members of the partnership programme are rated on that and what they pay. So there's already a link to what's been announced."
Meat companies that belong to the partnership have their safety record measured against it to determine how much they pay.
Mr Eastlake says while there’s little chance of accidents being covered up to save on levies, some companies still need to clean up their act.
"There are some companies out there that we would like to work a wee bit closer with to improve their safety records for sure."
