The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) and Port of Auckland Limited have embarked on a journey to develop a world-class Fatigue Risk Management System, aimed at protecting the health and safety of port workers.
Port staff are engaging in a five-day intensive risk assessment workshop facilitated by Chronosafe, a specialist risk management consultancy from Australia.
The process will bring together workers, MUNZ representatives, and management to identify and control fatigue-related hazards in 24/7 port operations.
The initiative comes after years of advocacy by MUNZ for systemic change to address the dangers of worker fatigue in New Zealand’s port industry.
MUNZ Local 13 Secretary Grant Williams said this proactive and scientific approach was a vital step forward for the industry.
Mr Williams says fatigue is a killer on the waterfront, where workers have been exposed to the risks of cumulative fatigue from long hours and demanding roster patterns.
“This isn’t box ticking, this is about understanding the science of fatigue and building a system that keeps our people safe.”
“It’s a positive and significant step to see Port of Auckland working with MUNZ on this project. By engaging world-renowned experts and listening to the workers on the ground, together we can create a system that ensures every stevedore gets home safely to their family at the end of their shift.”
The workshop began this week with a comprehensive education session from leading fatigue expert, Professor Naomi Rogers-Woodhouse, on the science of human biology, sleep, and circadian rhythms.
This training provides the foundation for the risk assessment group to analyse the unique operational situations and roster designs that contribute to worker fatigue.
The project will use the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group’s Good Practice Guidelines as a framework, with the goal of creating a robust, science-backed system that manages risk and educates workers on the long-term health effects of shift work.
This initiative marks a commitment from both MUNZ and Port of Auckland to lead the industry in creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable working environment for port workers.
