Jamie Erceg - Health and Safety

“My sense of what I can do has changed. I have always been a hands-on person, but now I’m learning about safety law, systems, keeping proper records, and knowing your rights.”

This change has happened for Jamie since attending the level 4 Health and Safety night classes after work. He works with his family’s sandblasting and spray painting business and for the last seven years he has been the health and safety officer there. 

“Our industry has no room for error because we deal with toxic chemicals, heavy loads, and explosives. As a company we want to keep lifting our health and safety benchmark. It’s a natural role for me because I represented Northland in rugby league so I’m physical and a team player, and I enjoy encouraging workmates to take responsibility for their safety.”

Jamie likes the range of people who attend the course. “Some are dealing with the public in gyms or restaurants. Another guy has had trouble with ACC and is educating himself. There’s great team morale and we all learn from each other. As part of the course we identify hazards in NorthTec workshop spaces, plus we look at confined spaces, and do rescue training.”

“My ultimate application of this course is to keep everyone who is working around me safe. I may even get far enough to train other people.”