With the launch of a new app specifically tailored for New Zealand’s farms, professional services firm Crowe Horwath is making it easier and more convenient to institute sound health and safety practices in rural workplaces. Dubbed ‘Safely.nz’, the app is the result of a partnership between Crowe Horwath’s Human Resources division, Progressive Consulting, and developer Peak Software.

Safely.nz is customised to Kiwi farms and agricultural support businesses, such as agricultural contractors, transport providers, fertiliser spreaders, vets and shearing contractors.

Neil McAra, Head of Agribusiness for Crowe Horwath NZ and Managing Principal of Crowe Horwath South, says the company is pleased to offer further support to its rural clients, particularly on an issue which is vital to the wellbeing of workers. “Compliance can be a challenge given the extent and complexity of the new regulations in the new Act. With this partnership and the resultant Safely.nz app, we believe that’s a challenge which has been solved, delivering convenience and clarity for compliance which doesn’t have to hamper operations.”

Melissa Vining, Health and Safety specialist for Crowe Horwath, says the software helps ensure every area of a business is compliant with health and safety legislation and aligned with industry best practice. “The app is designed to make compliance with new regulations faster and easier, ultimately supporting improved workplace safety. By providing rapid guidance to the regulations and a handy ‘go anywhere’ reference, Safely.nz takes the hassle out of health and safety, while delivering the benefits of good practices.”

The app offers a range of features to automate and accelerate record keeping, calculate risks, manage documents and produce reports as required.

As an app, Safely.nz is installed on a smartphone or tablet and also has a browser-based portal, providing flexibility of access for users. It operates in online and offline modes, allowing users to access a real-time view of their safety management anywhere and anytime. “This was an important factor in the design of the app,” notes Vining. “Given that connectivity isn’t assured in rural settings, it was essential that it works whether connected or not.”

Over and above the obvious advantages of safer workplaces, businesses owners and farmers may be eligible for a discount of up to 20% on their ACC levies by instituting sound health and safety practices, something Safely.nz helps ensure. “With Safely.nz, the onerous paperwork associated with record-keeping is virtually eliminated, helping rural businesses to get the benefit of a rigorous approach to health and safety, without the hassle of compliance,” Vining concludes.

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