 |
This article relies excessively on referencestoprimary sources. Please improve this article by adding secondary or tertiary sources.
Find sources: "WorkSafe New Zealand" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (March 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa | |
 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 16 December 2013 |
| Preceding agencies |
|
| Jurisdiction | New Zealand |
| Headquarters | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Employees | 550[1] |
| Minister responsible |
|
| Agency executives |
|
| Website | www |
WorkSafeisNew Zealand's primary workplace health and safety regulator.
Over 550 staff based across New Zealand who are working to lift New Zealand's health and safety performance and support workers to return home healthy and safe.
As the regulator of the workplace health and safety system, WorkSafe has three key roles:
Regulatory confidence
Harm prevention
System leadership
WorkSafe works collaboratively with businesses, undertakings, workers and their representatives to embed and promote good workplace health and safety practices. Some of WorkSafe's functions include:
These responsibilities are defined in legislation, specifically by the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
WorkSafe New Zealand was established in December 2013 after the Work Safe New Zealand Act was passed a month prior, as part of the Health and Safety (Pike River Implementation) Bill. The bill was made after a recommendation by a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the 2010 Pike River Mine disaster, which resulted in 29 deaths.[4][5]
WorkSafe is implementing the most significant reforms to workplace health and safety in more than 20 years. These ‘Working Safer’ reforms are the Government's response to the recommendations of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety, as articulated in Working Safer: A blueprint for health and safety at work. The social and economic cost of deaths, injuries and ill-health arising from work is estimated at $3.5 billion a year. However, the real toll is paid by the families, friends and co-workers of those who are killed, seriously injured or experience work-related ill-health.
WorkSafe's goal is to transform New Zealand's workplace health and safety performance and includes the Government's target to reduce workplace fatalities and serious injuries by 25% by 2020.
WorkSafe New Zealand has launched several initiatives aimed at enhancing workplace safety and reducing the incidence of work-related injuries and fatalities. One of the prominent campaigns is ‘Safer Farms’, which addresses the high rate of accidents in the agricultural sector by providing farmers with resources and training to implement safer work practices.[6] This campaign includes practical safety tips, workshops, and the distribution of safety equipment to minimise the risks associated with farm work.
Additionally, WorkSafe has intensified its focus on high-risk industries such as manufacturing, forestry, and construction.[7] Enhanced enforcement of safety regulations and stricter compliance measures are key components of this strategy. Regular inspections and audits ensure businesses adhere to health and safety standards.[8]
WorkSafe also offers extensive support and education programs, including tailored safety management plans and industry-specific guidelines.[9] Digital tools on the WorkSafe website provide interactive resources for risk assessment and incident reporting, making it easier for businesses to comply with safety regulations and for workers to understand their rights.
Other government agencies are also designated to carry out health and safety regulatory functions for certain work. They are:
Maritime New Zealand for ships as workplaces and work aboard ships
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for work preparing aircraft for imminent flight and aircraft in operation.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) was a name used for health and safety functions in the Department of Labour. The name was taken out of use in 2005.
| International |
|
|---|---|
| National |
|
