In February 2007 we acquired Crombie Lockwood, New Zealand’s second largest insurance broker. As a significant player in liability insurance the management at Crombie Lockwood noticed that a large number of clients were suffering losses through accidents and mishaps that could have been avoided.  To help these clients Crombie Lockwood developed a unique and proactive safety management and monitoring system called Safety Assist.

Case Study: Roofing workers safety in New Zealand.

We CAN positively influence the communities in which we operate. 

The case in point involved a roofing contract business in New Zealand that experienced a serious harm injury after an employee fell 8.2 metres through a brittle section of asbestos cement roofing.  Following the accident the business entered into the Safety Assist programme to ensure that they were taking all possible steps to protect the health, safety and well being of their employees.  The business was able to get immediate guidance and support regarding the steps needed to be taken as a result of the incident. This included reporting to the relevant governmental authority and the procedures involved in the investigation and the appointment of, and liaison with, legal representatives through the statutory liability underwriter. Most importantly, they began a safety implementation programme minimising the chance of future accidents.

Improved safety means better business

The construction industry faces significant recruitment, skill and training challenges. Such shortages of experienced, skilled workers can create time pressures and, as a result, safety training can suffer resulting in the risk of higher injury rates compounding the skill shortage.  Programmes such as Safety Assist not only enhance the profitability of our business but serve a wider community need to improve workplace safety and minimise harm for all workers. In this case, introducing Safety Assist has increased client confidence contributing to repeat contracts and contract pre-qualifications. New business has also been won on the basis of the safety systems introduced into the business.

Safety Assist now has 600 customers with programmes covering 8,000 employees in New Zealand.