{"id":226321,"date":"2024-04-16T12:53:54","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T23:53:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?p=226321"},"modified":"2025-09-03T13:46:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T00:46:32","slug":"health-safety-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/health-safety-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Health and Safety Laws in the Workplace?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As an employer, you must be aware of your duties surrounding health and safety. Further, you must understand the best ways to implement good practices in <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/how-to-ensure-your-new-zealand-workplace-is-safe\/\">your workplace<\/a>. In New Zealand, there are workplace health and safety laws that set specific standards for all NZ employers. The ultimate aim of these laws is to protect New Zealand employees and businesses. This article will take you through what you need to know about health and safety laws in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Workplace Health and Safety?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Workplace health and safety (WHS) refers to managing risks to ensure the health and safety of all<em> <\/em>persons associated with your organisation. Hence, these laws protect not only your employees but also your:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>contractors;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>customers;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>suppliers; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>visitors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the industry you operate in, the risks associated with your business will be different. For example, the building and construction industry has specific WHS requirements. If your business operates in this industry, you have WHS requirements regarding:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>electrical safety;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>demolition work;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>preventing falls; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>managing noise&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses operating in the accommodation, food service and hospitality have to comply with a different set of WHS requirements. If you have a business that operates in this industry, you have specific WHS requirements regarding:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>safeguarding your employees against burns from hot liquids;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ensuring your employees take care in managing surfaces and steam; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>providing your employees with appropriate protective clothing and equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/hsw-compliance\/\">Complying with these WHS requirements<\/a> will likely require a significant upfront investment. However, it is worth seeking independent advice on what WHS requirements your business must comply with.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Zealand Laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worksafe.govt.nz\/\">WorkSafe New Zealand<\/a> is the national policy body responsible for overseeing and regulating the development and updating of the WHS laws in New Zealand. These laws are implemented across New Zealand. The following Acts outline WHS Laws in New Zealand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/health-safety-work-act\/\"><em>Health and Safety at Work Act 2015<\/em><\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>The Health and Safety at Work Act Regulations<\/em>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>WorkSafe New Zealand Act 2013<\/em>;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Gas Act 1992<\/em>; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Electricity Act 1992<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These acts are the core legislative instruments with illustrate the various WHS obligations both employers and employees owe to each other.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular fa-arrow-down\"><\/i>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"px-6 pt-10 pb-12 mb-10 text-center bg-gray-100 rounded-b-xl sm:px-12 test\">\n    <div 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For example, you may need to develop and implement an emergency plan. This plan will outline a policy for responding to WHS incidents. You might also consider having suitable first aid equipment at your workplace. Further, you should have enough trained staff to respond to workplace incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Workplace health and safety laws go beyond physical safety. Consequently, it is equally important to protect the emotional and mental well-being of staff. This might include developing policies and procedures for responding to workplace bullying and harassment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Worker\u2019s Duties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While you have obligations under the WHS standards, your employees&#8217; must also take action to mitigate risks. Your workers have specific obligations to protect themselves and others, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>being familiar with your workplace\u2019s WHS policies;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>taking reasonable care for their health and safety, and the safety of others; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>using any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of Workplace Health and Safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To sum up, the purpose of WHS is to create a safe work environment for everyone. As well as being essential for the success of your business, it is also a legal requirement. Beyond meeting your legal obligations as an employer, some benefits of WHS include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>retaining staff by preventing injury and illness;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>improving staff productivity and motivation; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reducing the cost of injury and workers\u2019 compensation payments.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To reap the benefits of WHS laws, you must implement the correct practices as soon as you commence business operations.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"my-7 lg:my-10 border-y-2 border-gray-100 py-7 lg:py-10 flex flex-col sm:flex-row items-start gap-10\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-52 mx-auto my-0! rounded\" src=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/24120445\/nz-safety-essentials-image.jpg\" alt=\"Front page of publication\"\n                 loading=\"lazy\" width=\"208\" height=\"298\">\n                <section>\n            <div class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">NZ Safety Essentials for SMEs <\/div>\n            <div class=\"body-text\">\n                <p>Download our free guide to understand your legal obligations for health and safety in the workplace.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            \n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/go.legalvision.co.nz\/guide-nz-safety-essentials-smes.html\" class=\" block px-5 py-3.5 max-w-fit bg-orange button__hover transition rounded text-white font-bold text-lg no-underline uppercase leading-tight text-center\" target=\"\" rel=\"\">Download Now<\/a>        <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a business owner, you should ensure you know your obligations and the best ways to implement WHS laws in your workplace. Some key points you should know about WHS are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>WorkSafe New Zealand is New Zealand\u2019s primary workplace health and safety regulator;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>both employers and workers should diligently meet WHS standards; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>depending on the industry your business operates in, you may have additional or separate WHS obligations you need to meet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need assistance determining if your business is compliant with its WHS obligations, contact our experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment-lawyers-lp\">employment lawyers<\/a> as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on <a href=\"tel:+64800005570\" class=\"AVANSERnumber dynamic-number\">0800 005 570<\/a> or visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/membership\/\">membership page<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1726113167471\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Workplace health and safety (WHS) refers to managing risks to ensure the health and safety of all individuals associated with your business, including employees, contractors, customers, suppliers, and visitors.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1726113237234\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should I consult employees about WHS matters?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, regular consultation with employees is essential to identify potential hazards and improve workplace safety practices.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"not-prose m-feedback-prompt\">\n    <!-- Thumbs up\/down bar -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__main\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/div>\n        <div>\n            <!--span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button--text\">Thanks!<\/span-->\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--yes\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:yes\" aria-label=\"Agree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-up fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--no\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:no\" aria-label=\"Disagree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-down fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Feedback form -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--thanks \">\n            <div>Thanks!<\/div>\n            <p>\n                We appreciate your feedback \u2013 your submission has been successfully received.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form id=\"contact-form\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--form\" action=\"\" method=\"post\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"authenticity_token\" name=\"authenticity_token\" value=\"3bc3beddae\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226321\" \/>            <input value=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/health-safety-laws\/\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenturl\"\n                   id=\"currenturl\">\n            <input value=\"What Are Health and Safety Laws in the Workplace?\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenttitle\"\n                   id=\"currenttitle\">\n            <label>\n                <!-- display on thumbs-up -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--yes\">\n                    Can you tell us <span class=\"font-semibold\">why<\/span> you found it helpful?\n                <\/span>\n\n                <!-- display on thumbs-down -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--no text-lg\">\n                    How can we better improve this article?\n                <\/span>\n                <textarea name=\"feedbackmessage\" id=\"feedbackmessage\" required><\/textarea>\n            <\/label>\n\n            <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--error\" id=\"form-submit-error\"><\/div>\n            <button id=\"submit-contact-form-button\" type=\"submit\" name=\"commit\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--submit\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:submit\">\n                Submit            <\/button>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As an employer, you must be aware of your duties surrounding health and safety. Further, you must understand the best ways to implement good practices in your workplace. In New Zealand, there are workplace health and safety laws that set specific standards for all NZ employers. The ultimate aim of these laws is to protect<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/health-safety-laws\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;What Are Health and Safety Laws in the Workplace?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13387,"featured_media":215630,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"1213,202118,203255,208701,202116,225904","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[191,1340,2043,2154],"class_list":["post-226321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-employment","tag-employees","tag-business-owner","tag-health-and-safety-laws","tag-workplace-health-and-safety"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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