External review of regulatory response to Serene bathroom heaters

WorkSafe commissioned an independent review into the regulatory response to safety issues with Serene bathroom heaters, which WorkSafe prohibited a number of.

The review was carried out in 2024 by barrister Honor Lanham, to consider WorkSafe’s response following notifications of Serene models overheating.

The review found opportunities for WorkSafe to strengthen its processes and procedures, to ensure appropriate action and oversight. Overall, 21 recommendations were made in relation to resourcing, processes, and relationships with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

WorkSafe accepts the findings and recommendations of the review and acknowledges the need for improvements. WorkSafe is working closely with industry as it implements the recommendations.

WorkSafe’s Energy Safety role

Under Part 2 of the Electricity Act 1992 (the Act), WorkSafe is delegated three key functions:

to carry out such inquiries, tests, audits, or investigations as may be necessary to determine whether a person is complying with the Act
to take all such lawful steps as may be necessary to ensure the safe supply and use of electricity, and
to perform such other functions as are provided for under the Act.

Part 6 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 (Regulations) sets out approval requirements for electrical appliances and empowers WorkSafe to prohibit the manufacture, importation, sale or use of electrical appliances. Regulation 87 prescribes when WorkSafe can prohibit an electrical appliance.