New Zealand’s health and safety law is getting simpler

If managing health and safety has ever felt like a lot of paperwork for relatively minor risks, you’ll want to know about the upcoming changes. The Health and Safety at Work Act has been amended to put greater emphasis on workplace risks that could cause serious harm, with the new rules taking effect from 1 April 2027.

Fewer than 20 workers? Your risk-management duties will centre on critical risks.

20 or more workers? You’ll still need to manage all risks, but critical ones take priority.

Codes of practice. Following an approved code relevant to your industry can offer more certainty that you are meeting your legal duties.

Keep following the current rules and look out for further WorkSafe guidance.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.