ACC changes to incentive programmes for businesses in 2017

The Workplace Safety Management Practices (WSMP) scheme gives up to 20% discount, and the Workplace Safety Discount for smaller businesses gives a discount of 10%.
From 1 April 2017, ACC will discontinue these schemes and they will no longer accept new members or renewals. The scheme is being discontinued as it no longer aligns with the new Health and Safety at Work legislation.

If your business is already on one of the schemes, you’ll continue to receive your discount until the expiry of your current term. ACC are not accepting new applications from 31 October 2016 and all renewals and new applications have to be audited before 24 Feb 2017. However We have spoken to ACC and they may accept applicants after this date.

For those that are renewing their WSMP there are a few changes to the audit process, for example in the past customers have been given 30 days to address issues raised in the audit in the future clients will only have five days to correct an issue.

• Assist in preparing for the ACC WSMP audit, so that you attain the highest discount available (the discounts last for 2 years)
• Complete a gap analysis on your current system so that you can “fill the gaps” prior to the WSMP Audit
• Attend the audit with you, to help you present your evidence and liaise with the auditor
  Complete the audit of behalf of ACC (for new clients)
• What does this mean for your business going forward?

ACC are developing new incentive products aligned to the experience rating and are looking at other ways of having targeted incentives and injury prevention initiatives to deliver long-term benefits. Worksafe are also looking at introducing a safety star rating scheme in the near future.

As yet the information on these new schemes is not available but we will keep you all informed of the updates as soon as there are any developments

If you would like to know more about the ACC WSMP incentive programme and how you may be able to reduce you levies, please feel free to call Susan 021 570 570 or myself 021 452 930