NewsBrief
CHRISTMAS ISSUE No.40 - December 2002		TM

Features: A Word from the CEO v "Green" Skies Progress Report v And the Winner Is…… Speed Freaks v Play of the Week New Trade Initiatives v On the Road Again Reducing Workplace Injuries v SDS Comment Christmas Reviews v Snail Mail Latest ERMA News v Closed for the Holidays!

No doubt about it, 2002 has been a memorable year!

The horrendous September 11 terrorist attack in New York and the subsequent bombing in Bali alerted us to the need for possible action to address the ever widening threat scenarios requiring new security measures which stretch scarce resources and divert attention from growing national economies and expanding global trading opportunities. The possibility of terrorists employing chemicals and biological agents requires some imaginative lateral thinking to devise measures to prevent or mitigate the potential threats.

On a positive note, the UN World Summit in Johannesburg signalled a new working relationship with the global chemical industry by recognising our unique Responsible Care™ Safety, Health and Environmental (SH&E) initiative as a leading example of effective, voluntary industry action.

Exciting programmes such as the High Production Volume and the Long Range Research initiatives will enable us to better understand the long term effects of chemicals on people and the environment, encouraging research to identify and further minimise any potential risk while maximising the benefits chemicals deliver.

The recent local adverse publicity over the use of copper chromate arsenic (CCA) -treated timber is yet another timely reminder the chemical industry must continue to contribute sound, science-based responses to public concerns about hazardous substances, particularly in respect to child safety and the protection of the environment.

The ICCA's Global Chemicals Management Policy guides our national and corporate Product Stewardship activities and advances the industry's case for harmonised, risk based, industry-policed chemical control legislation, negating the need for more prescriptive and costly regulations.

At home, the business outlook is less inspiring. The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report rates New Zealand's performance in 2002 at 16 out of 80, a drop of 6 places from 2001. Business confidence surveys reveal an increasingly pessimistic outlook. Many employers believe legislation being pushed through Parliament under urgency, with minimal debate, this week will further increase costs without 'adding value'. For example:

• The Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Bill has attracted widespread criticism for identifying stress as a workplace hazard. Increased penalties will run as high as $500,000 and employers are concerned about more stringent inspection and infringement requirements.
  
  
• The Local Government Bill will enable local councils to exercise "General Competency" provisions, i.e. basically do what they like provided it is legal, including engaging in a wide range of business activities, which may compete with existing businesses which do not have the luxury of spending rate payers' money.

The new workplace compliance regulations are highlighted in a major survey prophesising the negative impact of existing and proposed legislation on productivity and performance.