Health and Safety at Work

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 came into force on 4 April 2016, replacing the Health and Safety Act 1992.

Major changes include:

• The classification ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’;

• The primary duty holder;

• Duty of due diligence on those in senior management roles;

• A three-tiered much tougher penalty regime.

Who does it affect? Everyone; business owners, directors, and workers all have a responsibility now to ensure people in the workplace keep people healthy and safe at work. You must do what is ‘reasonably practicable’ to manage health & safety risks at work. Businesses in the high-risk category group or a business with over 20 staff must now have a Health & Safety representative or committee.

What does this mean for you? Depending on what Health & Safety policy/procedures you have in place, your business must now make sure all workers can contribute to health and safety decisions at work. You must have clear, effective, and ongoing ways for workers to suggest health and safety improvements and raise concerns. You must also have Health & Safety processes that are effective for your business needs, size, and risk.

For in-depth information relating to the new Health & Safety at Work Act 2015, visit www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/hswa 

Farming businesses are also encouraged to visit: www.saferfarms.org.nz 

Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended for general information only and issued to readers as a guide and for their private information. Nick Hoogeveen & Associates website articles do not constitute advice and readers should not act solely on the basis of the material contained within this article. Also, changes in legislation may occur quickly. We, therefore, recommend that our formal advice be sought before acting in any of these areas.