Friday, March 29, 2024

MPI sets up safe practice register

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The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has set up a register for safe practice – available on the MPI website – in the sector as New Zealand moves to national alert level four in response to covid-19.
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MPI director-general Ray Smith and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor met with more than 90 sector stakeholders by conference call on Monday night to discuss the sector’s response to the covid-19 shutdown.

“It was an extremely constructive meeting and I know that everyone who took part wants to do their best for New Zealand as we meet the covid-19 challenge,” Smith says.

He says MPI requires safety assurances from operators that their processes protect workers and the public by limiting interactions between staff and reducing the potential spread of covid-19.

“The Government’s declaration of essential services approves those operating in the primary sector, but we just need to verify that operators are following safe practices.

“We are asking 11 critical questions about how you intend to stop any spread of covid-19.”

He says there are a couple of simple things operators need to ask themselves before registering: do they have five or fewer people (including the owner) working at each business site?; and can staff achieve social distancing in the workplace, including travelling to and from work?

If you answer yes to both of those questions, then you do not need to fill in the form but if you answered no to either question then you must fill in the form.

If in doubt, fill in the form.

“Production chains should work to achieve separation between staff and adopt mitigation measures, such as protective gear and equipment, where possible.”

Smith says MPI will do its best to advise and support the sector over the coming days and weeks.

Businesses should be registered by 5pm on Friday. They should keep operating and are expected to already have health procedures in place.

“We’re all working together to ensure that our vital food production sectors can operate safely,” he says.

The register will remain in place until the alert level has been lowered. There is no cost to register.

Primary sector businesses may contact MPI at 0800 00 83 33 or info@mpi.govt.nz for further details on registering or the registration process.

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