Information for land owners and land managers when adventure activities are being provided on their land

Landowners and land managers who allow access to land for adventure activities may have duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Opening up safety conversations with workers brings astounding response

NFA provides log export services to the forestry industry. See how a SafePlus onsite assessment encouraged workers at NFA to contribute ideas to improve work processes and become more involved in health and safety roles.

What is an enforceable undertaking?

Find out more information about the enforceable undertaking process.

Duty to notify licensed asbestos removal

Before you start any work to remove asbestos, you must inform WorkSafe at least five days before the work starts

Signage requirements for vertebrate toxic agents

Under regulation 13.19 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017, WorkSafe can specify a period of time for which a PCBU with management or control of work involving a vertebrate toxic agent being applied or laid will must ensure that compliant signage is displayed.

Bakeries

New Zealand’s baking scene is a growing sector and, as part of the wider hospitality sector, is one of the biggest employers in the country.

Cafés and restaurants

New Zealand's café and restaurant scene is a thriving sector and is one of the biggest employers in the country. Find out what you need to do to keep your workers and customers healthy and safe.

Whakaari / White Island

This page provides a summary of the different stages of WorkSafe’s involvement following the eruption of Whakaari / White Island.

Seatbelts - a guide for workers

Wearing a seatbelt reduces the chances of you being injured in a vehicle or mobile plant accident. WorkSafe recommends workers wear seatbelts when using vehicles or mobile plant for work.

Working as an occupational diver

Find supporting information about being an occupational diver, medical fitness for diving and the process of getting a Certificate of Competence.

Respiratory health and silica dust levels in the extractive industry

This report from 2003 brings together two separate but related investigations, the National Dust Project and the Respiratory System Survey, each of which were carried out as part of the day to day work of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

Feedback on oral examinations

The New Zealand Mining Board of Examiners is concerned about the number of certificate of competence (CoC) applicants that are being failed because they are unable to demonstrate they have the ability and knowledge required to maintain a safe work environment, using the four competency areas examined:

• operating and safety systems
• legislation
• leadership and,
• emergency management.

Bullying at work: Advice for workers

This is a quick guide with advice for workers about what bullying at work can look like, and what they can do if they think they are being bullied, or are accused of being a bully.

Keeping healthy and safe when tipping loads

This guide offers practical advice on how you can manage the risks associated with tipping loads at work sites.

Fatigue - what's the problem?

Many industries rely on workers being physically and mentally alert. Fatigue reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively

Additional and Modified Requirements for Specified Class 6 and 8 Substances – Safe Work Instrument 2017

This safe work instrument is approved under section 227 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, being satisfied that—

Working near low voltage overhead electric lines

This guide provides information on how to manage the risk of electric shock while work is being done near a live low voltage overhead electric line.

Seatbelts - a guide for businesses

Wearing a seatbelt reduces the chances of workers being injured in vehicle and mobile plant accidents. WorkSafe recommends businesses make sure workers wear seatbelts when using vehicles or mobile plant for work.

High risk product list

Certain types of electrical appliances and fittings require approval before being offered for sale in New Zealand. These are set out in a Gazette notice and are listed below.

Taking the focus away from paperwork and compliance leads to improved health and safety

DOC had been looking for a health and safety product that took the focus away from audit and compliance, and decided to use SafePlus after being involved in the pilot.

Adding value to the farm business through good health and safety - James Robertson

James Robertson chats about his experiences on his family farm and how an injury can have a big impact your business.

Napier Port triggers safety chain reaction

Sharing a serious near-miss led to Napier Port launching a collaborative project which addressed a serious safety risk, while bringing unexpected ‘spill-over’ benefits.

Involving everyone in learning reaps benefits

Bringing teams together to learn from incidents is transforming worker participation and engagement in health and safety at Contact Energy.

Electric welding machines

Prior to being offered for sale in New Zealand, electric tools that are within the following definitions are subject to a Supplier Declaration of Conformity.

Electrical tools

Prior to being offered for sale in New Zealand, Electric Tools that are within the following definitions are subject to a Supplier Declaration of Conformity.

Switches for circuit, installation, protective and connection devices

Prior to being offered for sale in New Zealand, switch connectors and accessories that are within the following definitions are subject to a Supplier Declaration of Conformity.

Low voltage electric wires and cables

Prior to being offered for sale in New Zealand, cables and wires that are within the following definitions are subject to a Supplier Declaration of Conformity.

Safe manufacture and use of timber treatments and preservatives

The chemicals used to preserve timber and prevent fungus or insects taking hold, and to prevent staining can be hazardous. Particular care needs to be taken to ensure adequate ventilation of areas where timber is being treated.

Electrical equipment safety in motels and similar accommodation facilities

The industry has sought clarification around Regulation 26 after different provisions appeared to apply to equipment being provided for patrons compared to equipment used by employees.

Lighting electrical appliances and accessories

Prior to being offered for sale in New Zealand, light fittings that are within the following definitions are subject to a Supplier Declaration of Conformity.

Household and similar appliances

Prior to being offered for sale in New Zealand, any household (or similar) appliances that are within the following definitions are subject to a Supplier Declaration of Conformity.

Emergency preparedness in mining and tunnelling operations - Approved Code of Practice (ACOP)

This ACOP sets out WorkSafe’s expectations for managing emergencies in mining and tunnelling operations. It provides information on developing an emergency plan and what it should contain, how to test and review the plan, and how to respond to an emergency

Safe use of tractors - fact sheet

On average, six to seven farmers are killed every year in New Zealand when using farm tractors. Many hundreds have been seriously injured. The majority of injuries involving farm tractors are caused by tractors rolling over or people being tangled in implements and machinery.

Declared articles

Certain high risk gas appliances or fittings must be approved or have certification equivalent to approval, before being sold or offered for sale in New Zealand. These products are referred to as Declared Articles.

Electrical Code of Practice

Enforceable undertakings

Enforceable undertakings are voluntary agreements between WorkSafe and a duty holder. They are legally binding and are generally used as an alternative to prosecution.

Fatigue

Many industries rely on workers being physically and mentally alert. Fatigue is a state of physical and/or mental exhaustion which reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively.

Psychosocial risks for all New Zealand workers

80% of workers rate their health as being ‘good’ or above.

Where we focus our effort: priority plans

Our priority plans bring our strategy to life by describing how we will deliver our role as Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary work health and safety regulator.

Setting up a hearing conservation program

Health and exposure monitoring are an important part of making sure your workers aren’t being harmed by noise levels at your work.