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How to Support Volunteers

Health and safety training ensures volunteers understand their roles, manage risks, and work safely under HSWA guidelines.Have a question? Reach out today....

Volunteers and HSWA

Volunteers and organisations share responsibilities under HSWA to ensure safe, compliant workplaces through training, communication, and risk management.Discover how Advanced Safety have assisted Open ChCh (volunteer lead public event) for the past three years.Got a question? Reach out....

Volunteer Responsibilities in Health and Safety

Volunteers under HSWA must follow safety guidelines, report hazards, and receive training to support workplace safety effectively.Discover how Advanced Safety have assisted a public event involving tens of thousands of members of the public and a small army of volunteers for the past three years, here.Have a question? Reach out....

The Role of Volunteers Under HSWA

Volunteers under HSWA play a key role in workplace safety, requiring training, risk assessments, and organisational support for safe operations....

Health and Safety in the Office

Health and safety in the office require addressing ergonomic, physical, and mental health risks while maintaining compliance with HSWA....

The Management of Change – Health and Safety

Management of change (MOC) is one of the most misunderstood - and most frequently missed - health and safety obligations in New Zealand workplaces.It is also a recurring theme in serious incidents, prosecutions, and regulatory investigations. Not because organisations ignore safety entirely, but because change quietly invalidates existing controls.This article updates and corrects earlier guidance, aligns fully with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and ISO 45001, and answers the mos...

What is a Downstream PCBU

Downstream PCBUs ensure safe use of products and services in workplaces, fulfilling HSWA obligations through risk management and worker protection....

What is an Upstream PCBU?

An upstream PCBU ensures safe design, manufacture, and supply of products or services, fulfilling critical HSWA responsibilities in New Zealand....

Upstream and Downstream PCBUs in NZ

Upstream PCBUs ensure safe design and supply, while downstream PCBUs manage risks during use, both aligning with HSWA responsibilities....

Critical Lessons in Overhead Power Line Safety

This article explores three safety breaches near overhead power lines, penalties imposed, and lessons learned, highlighting WorkSafe’s recommendations and Advanced Safety’s role in compliance support....

In-House and External H&S Audits

In-house and external health and safety audits together ensure continuous compliance, performance improvement, and alignment with HSWA and ISO 45001....

Accident Investigations – Why They Are Important

Accident investigations reveal root causes, improve safety, and reduce risks, turning incidents into learning opportunities under HSWA....

Are Emergency Drills a Legal Requirement?

Require a review of your plans? We're here to help.Contact us today....

The Role of a Health and Safety Policy

Need assistance developing your health and safety policy? Get in touch today. ...

Hazard Notice Boards on Construction Sites

Discover more about health and safety in construction here.Have a question? Get in touch. ...

Difference Between Hazard and Risk – NZ Leadership Guide

TLDR: A hazard is something that could cause harm. A risk is the likelihood and consequence of that harm occurring. Confusing the two is not a technical error. It is a governance weakness that leads to misallocated resources and uncontrolled exposure under pressure.The difference between hazard and risk appears simple. In practice most organisations blur the terms. When that happens prioritisation collapses and leadership loses clarity over true exposure.This is not about semantics. It is about ...

The Difference Between JSA and SWMS

Confusion around JSAs, SWMS, SOPs, SWPs, JSEAs and “Take 5s” is one of the most persistent and costly issues in New Zealand health and safety practice.Many businesses treat these documents as interchangeable. Others collapse them into one form and hope that satisfies legal requirements. Unfortunately, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), that approach creates real compliance gaps.This article clarifies the correct role of each document, how they fit together under HSWA, and h...

How to Improve Health and Safety in Construction

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The Importance of Safety in Construction

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors, with workers exposed to numerous hazards daily, including falls, machinery accidents, and hazardous substances. Prioritising health and safety is not just about compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA); it’s about protecting lives, enhancing productivity, and fostering a culture of care and responsibility.This article explores the critical importance of health and safety in construction, highlighting its benef...

Staying Safe in NZ

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, personal safety is more important than ever. From physical dangers in our daily lives to the growing risks in the digital space, safeguarding ourselves and our loved ones requires a proactive approach. This ultimate guide explores practical tips and strategies to enhance safety at home, during commutes, online, while traveling, and even through self-defense. Let’s dive in and empower ourselves to make safety a priority every day....

WorkSafe NZ

In New Zealand, workplace safety is a paramount concern. Employers and employees alike strive to create a safe and healthy work environment.Playing a crucial role in this pursuit is WorkSafe NZ, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and implementing health and safety standards across the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of WorkSafe NZ, from its mission and structure to its regulatory framework and how you can engage with them when needed...

10 Traits of Great Health and Safety Consultants

In today's complex workplace environment, the role of health and safety consultants is more critical than ever. These professionals serve as the bridge between compliance with regulatory requirements and fostering a culture of safety. What sets exceptional consultants apart are specific traits that enhance their ability to deliver effective and practical solutions. Below, we explore 10 essential traits that define top-notch health and safety consultants....

Mental Health First Aid NZ

In recent years, mental health has become a priority for businesses across New Zealand as workplaces recognise its critical role in employee well-being, safety, and productivity. Implementing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in workplaces not only supports employees experiencing mental distress but also aligns with legal obligations and good practice under New Zealand’s health and safety legislation.This article explores mental health in the workplace through the lens of the Health and ...

Who or What is a PCBU? Discover Your Responsibilities

Understanding what a PCBU is in New Zealand is essential for anyone responsible for workplace health and safety.Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), the term PCBU sits at the centre of how responsibility for health and safety is assigned. It replaces the old employer–employee model with a broader, more realistic framework that reflects how work is actually done today.This guide explains:what PCBU means in plain Englishwho is responsible as a PCBUhow PCBU duties apply in constru...

Hazardous Substances Regulations 2017

Hazardous substances are an unavoidable part of many workplaces, from construction sites to manufacturing plants. While they are essential for various tasks, they also pose significant risks if not managed correctly. The Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 outline the legal requirements for businesses in New Zealand to store, handle, and use hazardous substances safely.In this article, we explain the purpose and scope of the regulations, highlight the key responsibi...