Health and safety

New Zealand's health and safety regulatory infrastructure was recently overhauled with the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.  The new legislation, which came into force on 4 April 2016, brought an increased focus on health and safety, including on director and company officer liability, increased sanctions and requirements for worker engagement, all of which are intended to encourage the culture shift sought by the reforms.

Employers and company directors need to be aware of these changes to ensure compliance, and we can guide you through this. 

Cases on harassment, bullying and stress continue to be prevalent, primarily in the specialist employment jurisdiction.  These often date back many years and, if not managed well, can be time-consuming, costly and disruptive for employers. 

Our health and safety team has worked with clients in the following areas of health and safety law and practice:

• Advising businesses, including governance boards, directors and senior managers regarding the impact of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and associated regulations, codes of practice and other guidance

• Defending prosecutions and other enforcement action by WorkSafe

• Providing advice in relation to accidents and subsequent investigations, assisting clients in their communications with the regulator, and to avoid prosecutions

• Drafting and revising workplace policies and strategies, including regarding specific areas such as harassment, bullying and stress, and drugs and alcohol

• Providing training and easy to use guidelines to health and safety professionals, employers, senior managers and employees on their risks, obligations and best practice.