A deep dive into RMA reform
On 9 December 2025, the New Zealand Government released the Natural Environment Bill and the Planning Bill. Continue →
Browsing: Compliance
Fatal interactions between forklifts and people
A major freight distribution and logistics company has been fined more than half a million dollars after an incident involving a forklift that left a man fatally injured
Toll Networks (NZ) Limited was sentenced in the Auckland District Court after a worker was crushed to death by falling pallets that were being moved from a train wagon by forklift in September 2016. Continue →
Health and safety enforcement measures a live wire
When the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) came into force in April 2016, there was much discussion about the new enforcement measures introduced to ensure duty holders complied with their obligations, Graeme Tanner and Joseph Williams note
The HSWA signalled a clear legislative intent to ensure duty holders under the HSWA were held accountable where acts or omissions in a workplace caused, or created an undue risk of, harm. Continue →
Machine guarding no new phenomenon
New Zealand workplaces still aren’t getting it right despite having been required to adequately guard machinery since the Machinery Act 1950 came into force
Two recent sentencings in Invercargill District Court graphically illustrate the gruesome injuries that can be inflicted by inadequately guarded machinery. Continue →
Essential guidance on driver eyesight launched
Road safety charity Brake has published an essential guidance report for fleet managers, health & safety and HR professionals, in collaboration with Vision Express
‘Look Sharp! Continue →
Reflections on the first year in the job
Last year – 2017 – was a huge year for WorkSafe and for me personally in my first year as chief executive, Nicole Rosie reveals
This job is an opportunity to make a difference, leading an organisation that is working to get New Zealanders home healthy and safe at the end of each working day. Continue →
New sound level monitor aids in noise compliance
A new sound level monitor has been released to coincide with the World Health Organization’s World Hearing Day on March 3
The WHO initiative aims to draw attention to the global rise in hearing loss, with one key message the focus on efforts to stem hearing loss through prevention, such as reducing noise in the workplace. Continue →
Playing down workplace incidents doesn’t pay
WorkSafe is warning businesses not to play down notifiable events in their workplaces following the release of a decision involving a 2016 accident
Trade Depot Ltd appeared in Auckland District Court in December following an incident where more than 200kg of plasterboard fell on a worker in Takanini. Continue →
Wellbeing toolkit aims to create flourishing workplaces
A toolkit to support New Zealand workplaces and their people to flourish was launched on World Mental Health Day by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and Health Promotion Agency (HPA). Continue →
Risk present in all work spaces
Businesses need to consider health and safety risks on all structures, even those infrequently used, says WorkSafe New Zealand. Continue →
Beware the dangers of entering grain silos
WorkSafe has produced a safety alert after a serious incident in which a worker became engulfed in grain when an unloading auger was turned on while the worker was inside. Continue →
Control noise for safer, happier workers
Businesses must look beyond earmuffs for appropriate workplace noise controls, says WorkSafe New Zealand. Continue →
Mining vehicle collisions offer cause for concern
WorkSafe’s High Hazard Unit has recently been notified of numerous vehicle interactions involving heavy mobile plant equipment. Continue →
Two more businesses go Around the Block
WorkSafe has added two new businesses – a bakery and a collision repair workshop – to its highly successful ‘Around the Block’ tool. Continue →
Employers equally frustrated by employment system
A Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) report that revealed employees are increasingly reporting breaches of their employment rights noted that the biggest complaint was the lack of employment agreements. Continue →
Cleaner air for Manukau precast concrete workers
Nine Manukau precast concrete companies are better equipped to protect nearly 1,000 staff from potential airborne hazards at work, thanks to a WorkSafe New Zealand initiative. Continue →
Your chance to celebrate site safety
Tickets are now on sale for one of the biggest industry events of the year, the Site Safe Evening of Celebration. Continue →
Risks have no place on today’s farms
It’s no longer acceptable to take risks on the farm, a Rangitikei dairy farmer insists. Continue →
Identify and address fall from heights hazards
Providing the right tools for the job is paramount for workers working at height to avoid life-changing injuries, WorkSafe New Zealand insists. Continue →
Changes ahead for laboratories
There will be new requirements for laboratories when the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations come into force on 1 December. Continue →