H&S at Work Act Reform – What NZ Businesses Need to Know
If you own or manage a business in New Zealand, you have probably heard discussions about changes coming to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). The Government is reviewing the Act with an eye to cutting red tape while keeping people safe. Here’s a quick guide to what’s being proposed:
- Goodbye Over Compliance, Hello Common Sense
The review aims to shift HSWA’s focus to critical risks, the things that can actually kill or seriously injure people, rather than endless paperwork about every possible paper cut.
Small, low-risk businesses may soon be exempt from the full HSWA duties. You would still need to manage major hazards and provide basics such as first aid, drinking water, ventilation, and an emergency plan.
The Government also wants a “road cone” hotline, so people can report unnecessary or excessive health and safety compliance.
What it means for you: If you run a low risk operation, you may spend less time ticking boxes and more time keeping people safe where it counts.
- Reporting Will Get Simpler
Currently, businesses must notify WorkSafe about a long list of notifiable events. The proposal is to tighten this to significant incidents only, deaths, serious injuries or illnesses, and major safety failures.
- Landowners Can Relax, Mostly
If people use your land for recreational activities, the Act will likely clarify that the organisation running the activity, for example a commercial operator, carries the main safety duty rather than the landowner. This is good news if you own rural land or property used for outdoor activities.
- Directors and Boards Get Clearer Rules
If you are a director, you still need to exercise due diligence, but the review aims to clarify that your focus should be governance, not running day to day safety operations. You will still need to ask the right questions and oversee safety, but you should not feel personally liable for every misplaced ladder.
- Industry Can Help Write the Rules
The reform could allow industries to develop their own Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) with government approval. Following an ACOP would help prove you are meeting your HSWA duties. If your industry understands its risks best, this could mean more practical and relevant guidance.
- WorkSafe Is Changing Too
WorkSafe itself is getting a rethink. The Government wants it to spend more time engaging early and offering guidance, be more transparent about enforcement versus education, and focus on core safety functions instead of spreading too thin. The hope is fewer surprise enforcement actions and more upfront clarity.
Why these changes matter?
Even if your workplace is low risk, HSWA is still the backbone of New Zealand health and safety law. The reforms are designed to make it simpler, but there is a real possibility that definitions such as critical risk or low risk business could become grey areas.
It does not mean less safety; it is about smarter safety. If done well, these changes could free businesses from box ticking while keeping people safe where it truly matters.
Until the Bill is finalised, its business as usual. It is however a good time to review your health and safety systems, check that your critical risks are clearly identified and managed, and streamline areas where over compliance might be slowing you down.
If you want practical advice or a fresh set of eyes on your current approach before the law changes, contact Anna from Network HR on 022 602 7877 or email hello@networkhr.co.nz and book a consultation.
