Is it against Health and Safety legislation in NZ to have a couch in the staffroom?

Question

I work in a vege and fruit wholesaler. Our boss claims that it is against health and safety legislation for us to have a couch in the staffroom, even if we buy a brand new one and keep it clean. We have a vege prep room which he says means any furniture has to be vinyl. But the vege prep room and stafroom are seperate rooms within the warehouse with their own doors and ventilation. Can anyone help please!

Answer 1

I am not aware of any such restriction, he probably just doesn't want to risk someone lying around on it, or using it for something else. Whenever employers say something like that say, "Where does it say that", and firmly demand that they show you. If there is a law it is most certainly written down.

Answer 2

There is no such regulation on private lounging areas of food processing plants, but that does not mean he will be persuaded to obtain one for you.