13 March 2023
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Free Speech Union on RLC submissions policy
Enquiry
Reporter who enquired last week about Free Speech Union’s letter to RLC re the new submissions policy had the following additional question today:
Can I ask what the response will be? As in, acknowledgement of the letter, agreement to clarify etc?
Response
From DCE District Leadership and Democracy Oonagh Hopkins:
As stated last week Council acknowledges a letter has been received from the Free Speech Unions lawyers. The letter seeks clarification on some issues. Council will be responding directly to the free Speech Union, not via the media.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: ACC claims made by council staff
Enquiry
*NOTE: This enquiry was sent to all councils in the Bay of Plenty.
I have ACC data pertaining to the number of work-related claims lodged for local councils and would like some comment from each of you in response to this data please.
I’ve attached a copy of this information for your reference.
You’ll notice there’s a significant drop in WBOPDC and TCC claims from 2020 to 2022. WBOPDC and TCC, can you explain why this is?
Also (for all councils):
- what changes, if any, have been made in this time frame as a direct of result of injury?
- is there a particular department or area of the council which tends to feature higher than others for injury due to the nature of work? (kerbside collection perhaps?) If so, please elaborate.
- what measures have you put in place most recently to mitigate and better protect employees from injury? And why?
- what impact can workplace injuries have on the day-to-day running of councils?
- soft tissue injuries are by far more prevalent than any other injuries. Can you help to explain why?
If there are any other comments you feel would be important to include, please let me know.
Response
From DCE Organisational Enablement Thomas Colle:
There is always an investigation conducted when someone is injured and where it is possible, corrective actions are implemented to prevent a recurrence.
There is no particular department or area of the council which tends to feature higher than any other.
Within an office environment the biggest risk of injury comes from ergonomics so we put a large emphasis on “Workstation Assessments” conducted frequently by an occupational health nurse with all resulting recommendations implemented. We have also introduced standing desks and encourage staff to take breaks.
The most common day-to-day impact on any business would be the result in loss of productivity, due to lost time. However, the priority for Council is to avoid all work-place injuries and ensure all our staff work in a safe and enjoyable work environment.
The most common soft tissues injured are muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries may often occur during sports and exercise activities, but sometimes simple everyday activities can cause an injury. Sprains, strains, and contusions, as well as tendinitis and bursitis, are common.