Who is responsible for health and safety in the workplace NZ?

Who is responsible for health and safety in the workplace NZ?

WorkSafe NZ is the agency responsible for administering seven Acts across workplaces in New Zealand covering a number of industries.

Do I need a health and safety policy NZ?

It is not a legal requirement to have a health and safety policy in New Zealand. Most businesses in New Zealand do have a health and safety policy or a similar document, however, as it is a useful way to document your business’ approach, goals, and systems around health and safety.

Are all businesses in NZ required to have workplace health and safety management systems?

Businesses do not have to use or comply with AS/NZS ISO 45001. Its use is voluntary. WorkSafe New Zealand produces a range of guidance to assist businesses and workers to understand their rights and obligations under HSWA, including: a quick guide to identifying, assessing and managing work risks [PDF, 404 KB]

Why is health and safety important in the workplace NZ?

Having a planned approach to health and safety helps you manage risks that could lead to illnesses, injuries or even death. It’s the right thing to do by your people, and you have obligations under the new Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). Plus, a healthy and safe work environment is just good for business.

What is the purpose of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 NZ?

The main purpose of HSWA is to provide for a balanced framework to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces by: protecting workers and other persons against harm to their health, safety and welfare by eliminating or minimising risks arising from work.

Do you need a health and safety policy for less than 5 employees?

Do I need a health and safety policy? A documented health and safety policy is a legal requirement if you employ five or more people. If you have fewer than five employees you do not have to write anything down, though it is considered useful to do so if, for example, something changes.

Do all companies need a health and safety policy?

The law says that every business must have a policy for managing health and safety. A health and safety policy sets out your general approach to health and safety. It explains how you, as an employer, will manage health and safety in your business.

What should be in a health and safety policy NZ?

Workers must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and reasonable care that others are not harmed by something they do or don’t do. They must also follow any reasonable instructions given to them by the PCBU, and cooperate with any reasonable health and safety policy or procedure.

What is the Health and Safety at Work Act 2020?

The aim of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSW Act) is to reduce New Zealand’s workplace injury and death toll by 25 per cent by 2020. This will need action and leadership from businesses, workers and government. The HSW Act came into effect on 4 April 2016.

What are the health and safety regulations in a workplace?

The main provisions of these Regulations require employers to provide: adequate lighting, heating, ventilation and workspace (and keep them in a clean condition); staff facilities, including toilets, washing facilities and refreshment; and. safe passageways, i.e. to prevent slipping and tripping hazards.

Is New Zealand’s work health and safety system failing?

In 2013 the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety reported that New Zealand’s work health and safety system was failing. As a result, New Zealand’s work health and safety system underwent its most significant reforms for 20 years resulting in the establishment of WorkSafe New Zealand and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).

What is the law on health and safety in New Zealand?

Health and Safety legislation The law governing workplace safety is the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, through WorkSafe New Zealand. The HSW Act applies to everyone doing work, whether inside or outside, public or private, even underwater and underground.

How can Worksafe New Zealand help with HSWA?

WorkSafe New Zealand produces a range of guidance to assist businesses and workers to understand their rights and obligations under HSWA, including: The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) requires a business implementing a formal health and safety management system to engage with its workers about it before doing so.

What does the health and safety at Work Act 2015 do?

The Health and Safety at Work Act The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) is New Zealand’s workplace health and safety law. It introduces new responsibilities for managing the work-related risks that could cause serious injury, illness or even death.