Christopher Harris BEng

Health and Safety Professional

Downer New Zealand

Employee

Bay of Plenty Region

Background

I have over 20 years’ experience in Health and Safety roles, starting in scientific research then mostly in the areas of civil and utilities construction and maintenance. I have held roles as onsite Health and Safety Advisor, managed teams of Advisors and most recently been part of a National Support team as the Technical Health and Safety Manager responsible for developing and delivering management systems and associated processes. That includes ISO 45001 management system documents, Critical Risk management processes, Learning Teams, and a framework for the management of work-related health hazards. I have also been working with trans-Tasman teams, including leading work on Emergency and Crisis Management.

With a background in Chemical Engineering, I am strong on the process and systems side of workplace health and safety management and have a good understanding of requirements for managing hazardous substances. But this profession is all about people. I enjoy working with people at all levels of an organisation, drawing on the strengths of a diverse group to deliver the best outcomes. I have been part of Regional and National Leadership Teams, worked with Technical Subject Matter Experts, and facilitated Learning Teams and Health and Safety Committees to engage with frontline workers.

I am a Certified Professional Member of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM), and within that organisation I am part of the Peer Support Group, I mentor developing practitioners and professionals and I am also part of the Governance Forum. Like NZISM and HASANZ, I am passionate about growing the capability and recognition of the Health and Safety Profession in New Zealand.