How to notify us over the holiday period.
Notifications
If someone has been seriously injured, become seriously ill, or died as a result of work – phone us on 0800 030 040 straight away. We have staff available to respond to these 24/7.
If you’re not sure what a notifiable event is, including your obligation to hold a scene, visit What events need to be notified?
Notifications made through our online form won't be monitored between 12pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and 8.30am on Monday 6 January 2025.
If you’re not sure if you need to notify us, use our online notification system and we’ll respond to you after 6 January 2025.
Health and safety concerns
If you have a health and safety concern that isn’t urgent, use our online form and we’ll respond to you after 6 January 2025.
Raise a health or safety concern
General enquiries
General enquiries made by phone or email after 12pm on Tuesday 24 December will be responded to from Monday 6 January 2025. This does not apply to notifications made by phone on 0800 030 040.
We wish you a safe and relaxing holiday.
Harness the power of your whole team to assess and manage the risks of your business this New Year, says WorkSafe.
“A big part of staying well at work is good health and safety habits – and it’s surprising how even a short break away can see those habits slip. Don’t just assume everyone has recharged the batteries and is raring to go. A bit of time spent discussing your safety systems and procedures will be time well spent.” says WorkSafe’s Brett Murray, General Manager Operations and Specialist Services.
The serious injury outcome indicators released late last year by Statistics New Zealand show that businesses across New Zealand are making strides in health and safety with positive trends in both work-related fatal and non-fatal injuries.
“While the downward trend is encouraging, the number of people being seriously injured at work is still too high,” added Mr Murray.
WorkSafe received 2587 Notifications of Notifiable Illness or Injury in 2016. This release was regionalised so please see below for the table of statistics.
“I encourage each workplace in New Zealand to start the year by discussing health and safety and taking positive steps, such as discussing workplace risks with teams, checking Personal Protective Equipment including, hearing protection, safety glasses or face shields.
“Summer, well for those of you experiencing a summer, does create some new or add additional risks, especially those who are working long days as dehydration and fatigue can lead to potentially fatal accidents.
“Finally, don’t forget to include other risks in your discussions, such as welding fumes, wood dust and carbon monoxide or other airborne contaminants.”
Every year, an estimated 600-900 people die in New Zealand from work-related health issues and a further 5,000-6,000 are hospitalised with cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic illnesses from workplace exposure to airborne contaminants.
“Starting the year by discussing health safety is part of ensuring that we can all go home safe and healthy at the end of the day.” said Mr Murray.
Notifications of Notifiable Illness or Injury by Region 2016
| Region | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Auckland | 685 |
| Bay of Plenty | 167 |
| Canterbury | 436 |
| Gisborne | 31 |
| Hawkes Bay | 95 |
| Manawatu-Whanganui | 131 |
| Marlborough | 39 |
| Nelson | 53 |
| Northland | 84 |
| Not Defined | 31 |
| Otago | 155 |
| Southland | 80 |
| Taranaki | 74 |
| Tasman | 9 |
| Waikato | 261 |
| Wellington | 228 |
| West Coast | 28 |
| Total | 2587 |
Media contact details
For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively, you can:
Phone: 021 823 007 or
Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz
Last updated