VINZ puts safety first with new role

Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ) has invested in a newly appointed position to focus on the health, safety and well-being of staff and customers. 

Chief executive officer Sean Stevens says “our key focus is safety first for everyone”, to ensure VINZ has robust procedures and “is constantly striving to exceed the latest guidelines as outlined by the Ministry of Health and WorkSafe NZ”.

To this end, the company has appointed Warren Callaghan, pictured, as its health and safety specialist. This new role will ensure existing staff and new recruits are trained and focused on keeping themselves, co-workers, and customers safe at all times.

Callaghan says: “Good health at work is not just about keeping you physically safe, but also mentally healthy, and the company is increasing its investment in health and safety.” 

With experience spanning more than 20 years, he has worked in human resources, business management and health and safety across numerous industries, such as hospitality, retail and manufacturing. 

Callaghan has held positions in Australia, the UK and for several large Kiwi companies, such as the Warehouse Group, Mitre 10 and General Cable Asia Pacific to name a few. 

Reporting directly to Stevens, this new role has been set up to develop and implement best-practice health, safety and well-being systems, policies and processes, and establish and maintain a programme of continuous improvement in managing health, safety and well-being. 

“My key objective in this new role is to ensure programmes and practices are legislatively compliant and embedded in the VINZ culture,” says Callaghan.

“I would also like to be part of the constant evolution of measurable improvement in the culture at VINZ, while supporting my passion for ensuring the workplace is a safe and fun environment for all.”

Callaghan recently became a member of the NZ Institute of Safety Management. Stevens says: “We are excited to have Warren on the VINZ team and as part of VINZ family.”