Voluntarism in occupational health and safety: the New Zealand response

There has been considerable debate as to whether attempting to improve health and safety practices at work by legislation is more effective than voluntarism and the play of market forces. A survey was conducted in mid 1988 to ascertain the response of New Zealand enterprises to a Voluntary Code of Practice (1987) issued by the Advisory Council for Occupational Safety and Health. An attempt was also made to identify internal and external factors which might have influenced the decision to comply. It would appear that a voluntary approach has some part to play, but the absence of effective health and safety legislation in New Zealand may particularly disadvantage those working in small firms in high risk industries