HARMfree is an industry led initiative designed to improve workplace safety and worker well-being, in a language and style practical for transport and logistics.

The initiative is a collaboration group of two transport associations New Zealand Trucking Association and National Road Carriers, along with industry parties. HARMfree was awarded funding through an ACC Injury Prevention Grant.

Development of the Programme

The programme has been developed for the Health and Safety Champions in transport and logistics, who often work independently without the opportunity to connect with peers to share knowledge or undertake specialised training. While some companies have a dedicated Health & Safety Manager, smaller companies may not have the same resources, their champion could be someone who is wearing multiple hats, including partners or family members of owner drivers.

Designed to empower both leaders and workers to instigate behavioural changes in the workplace, and manage the hazards related to psychosocial harm; HARMfree offers transport and logistics specific content that addresses the unique challenges faced by the industry, particularly the high number of incidents in and around vehicles in the workplace.

Safety Drives Everything we do at Axiom Training

We’re committed to providing industry training that makes a difference. We train large companies, small businesses and individuals. Safety drives everything we do, that’s why we’re proud to be a Premium Partner of HARMfree. Kevin Wall, Axiom Training Managing Director says “We are honoured to support the HARMfree initiative. We understand the high pressure and demanding working conditions you face; we’re looking forward to doing all we can to support the transport and logistics industry even further in our work. Every worker has the right to go home safe to their family at the end of every day”.

Resources Tailored to the Industry

Transport and logistics workers are often subject to high pressure, demanding working conditions, circadian disruption, sleep deprivation, and, in some cases, long periods of isolation, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. While information on these issues is available, it can be challenging to locate. HARMfree brings all those resources and information together into an easy-to-follow programme, saving time for employers and providing practical, easily implementable information.

The HARMfree Transport and Logistics online portal offers a wealth of existing industry resources, tools, information, relevant industry news, training materials, and qualifications, tailored to the sector, and presented in a language that is understood. Multilingual materials and various learning methods cater to the diverse and multicultural workforce.

Four Pillars of HARMfree

HARMfree has been designed specifically for the transport and logistics industry. And to ensure it delivers what the industry needs, the team is actively engaging with industry leaders and workers on the ground, to finetune the content provided for this programme. 

The programme is based on four key pillars with a great level of resources available under each pillar.

• Good Work Design Hoahoa Mahi Pai – preventing harm before it occurs.
• Well-being Te oranga – promoting mental, physical, social, spiritual and cultural well-being.
• Training Whakangungu – empowering leaders and kaimahi.
• Connect Hono – sharing knowledge and experiences.

Through the courses we offer at Axiom Training and through our partners MySafetyTV (online workplace safety inductions) and SharpDrive (online driver safety training), we’re able to provide targeted resources and training across these pillars for the transport and logistics industry.

Becoming a Member of HARMfree

It’s easy to become a member and it’s free! Simple sign up on their website.

Whether you’re an experienced Health & Safety leader in the industry or just looking for a place to start, we’d encourage you to join HARMfree.  And a great place to begin is by taking the HARMfree workplace assessment tool.  Once you’ve done this, HARMfree will provide guidance and next steps for you to make improvements at your workplace.

There’s a number of benefits of becoming a member including:

• Content is designed for those in the transport and logistics industry
• Help reduce harm in the workplace
• Affect behavioural change, and workplace culture
• Access to resources, tools, information, and professional advice
• Special provider rates and discounts
• Exclusive invites to industry seminars
• Access the Connect online forum, share experiences, and connect with other transport and logistics leaders
• Receive industry news and events

If you’d like to learn more about HARMfree and sign up to become a member, head over to their website www.harmfreetransport.nz

Source: HARMfree Transport and Logistics