Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Manufacturers have told the government existing health and safety regulations are unworkable.
The government is consulting with wood processors, bakers and millers as part of its sector reforms.
"We're simplifying machine guarding rules and reviewing exposure standards to reduce complexity and improve consistency in the manufacturing sector," Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said.
"The proposed changes aim to ensure standards reflect real-world risks and align with international benchmarks. Manufacturers have said that the current rules are unclear and difficult to apply, leading to unnecessary costs and compliance burden."
Targeted stakeholder consultation on simplifying machine guarding rules was running from July-September, while consultation on hard and soft wood dust and welding fumes standards would run from August-September.
Minister for Regulation David Seymour said bakers had told his ministry the permitted concentration of flour dust was so stringent it could ruin their businesses.
He said reviewing these regulations with the aim of reducing red tape was one example of the 'Red Tape Tipline' making a difference.
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