Occupational Health and Safety NZ – Practical Guide for Businesses
Occupational health and safety NZ is not just about compliance. It is about how risks are identified, controlled, reviewed, and communicated in real workplaces, every day.
In New Zealand, workplace safety is governed by the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). The Act places clear duties on businesses, leaders, and workers to manage health and safety risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
This guide explains what occupational health and safety means in practice, how HSWA applies, and what businesses can do to improve safety outcomes across different industries.
What Is Occupational Health and Safety in NZ?
Occupational health and safety in NZ is the system of laws, processes, and practices used to prevent harm to workers and others by managing workplace risks under HSWA 2015.
Occupational health and safety covers both physical risks (such as machinery, heights, and hazardous substances) and health risks (such as fatigue, stress, noise, and manual handling).
It applies to all businesses, regardless of size, sector, or risk profile.
The Legal Framework for Occupational Health and Safety in NZ
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA)
HSWA is New Zealand’s primary workplace safety legislation. It focuses on risk management, not hazard lists or paperwork.
The Act requires risks to be:
identified
eliminated where reasonably practicable
otherwise minimised using effective controls
HSWA is supported by regulations, approved codes of practice, and WorkSafe guidance.
PCBU Duties Under Occupational Health and Safety NZ Law
Primary Duty of Care (PCBU)
Under HSWA, the main duty holder is the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) – not just “the employer”.
PCBUs must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable:
the health and safety of workers
that work does not put others at risk
safe systems of work
safe plant, structures, and substances
adequate training, supervision, and information
This duty applies to contractors, subcontractors, labour hire, and overlapping businesses.
Officer Due Diligence Responsibilities
Company directors and officers must exercise due diligence to ensure the PCBU meets its HSWA obligations.
This includes:
understanding workplace risks
ensuring appropriate resources are available
verifying that controls are implemented and effective
Officer liability is a common blind spot in NZ businesses.
Worker Responsibilities in Occupational Health and Safety NZ
Workers also have legal duties under HSWA. They must:
take reasonable care for their own health and safety
avoid adversely affecting others
follow reasonable instructions
use provided controls and PPE correctly
Workers have the right to:
participate in health and safety matters
raise concerns
stop unsafe work in certain circumstances
Common Occupational Health and Safety Risks in NZ Workplaces
While risks vary by industry, common issues include:
working at height
vehicle and mobile plant interaction
manual handling and ergonomics
fatigue and psychosocial risk
contractor management failures
outdated risk assessments
Most serious incidents involve familiar tasks where conditions have changed.
👉 Discover the Hierarchy of Control
How to Improve Occupational Health and Safety in NZ Workplaces
1. Conduct Meaningful Risk Assessments
Risk assessments should reflect how work is actually done, not just what procedures say. Review risk assessments when: work methods change equipment is introduced or modified incidents or near misses occur
2. Apply the Hierarchy of Control Properly
Elimination and engineering controls should be considered first. Administrative controls and PPE are weaker and require ongoing supervision.
If PPE is your primary control, reassess the risk.
3. Use a Fit-for-Purpose Safety Management System
A safety management system should:
support decision-making
capture learning from incidents
enable continual improvement
Systems aligned with ISO 45001 provide a strong framework when implemented properly.
4. Address Health Risks, Not Just Safety Risks
Occupational health includes:
fatigue
stress
noise-induced hearing loss
musculoskeletal disorders
Health risks often cause more long-term harm than acute incidents.
5. Strengthen Contractor and Supply Chain Controls
Many NZ incidents involve contractors.
PCBUs must:
verify contractor capability
coordinate overlapping duties
monitor performance, not just paperwork
👉 Learn more about Contractor management
6. Review and Improve Continually
HSWA expects continual improvement, not static compliance.
Review:
incidents and near misses
audit findings
worker feedback
changes in work or environment
Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Health and Safety NZ
What is the main purpose of occupational health and safety?
To prevent harm by identifying and managing workplace risks before people are injured or made ill.
Who is responsible for occupational health and safety in NZ?
All duty holders have responsibilities, but PCBUs hold the primary duty of care under HSWA.
How often should health and safety risks be reviewed?
Whenever work changes, incidents occur, or controls may no longer be effective – and periodically as part of normal operations.
Final Thoughts
Occupational health and safety NZ is not about ticking boxes. It is about ensuring your systems still work in real conditions, with real people, doing real work.
The strongest safety systems are practical, reviewed regularly, and understood by those who rely on them.
About The Author
Matt Jones is a HASANZ-registered health and safety consultant and founder of Advanced Safety. He works with business leaders across New Zealand to strengthen risk management, governance, and safety systems that meet HSWA obligations and stand up to regulatory and operational scrutiny.
