Major overhaul to health and safety laws passes final reading

The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill has passed its third reading, marking a major milestone in the Government’s overhaul of New Zealand’s health and safety system, and delivering on the ACT-National coalition agreement, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says. 

“For too long, businesses have been dealing with a system that is confusing and difficult to comply with. Rather than making workers safer, it has distracted from the risks that really matter and increased regulatory burden. 

“This Bill reflects that this Government is listening to the people on the ground having to deal with our laws day in and day out. They told us change was needed, and we have delivered. 

“These changes make it clear that the focus should be on preventing serious harm in the workplace. 

“This will better protect workers and support a continued reduction in serious workplace injuries and fatalities. At the same time, it frees up businesses to put more of their resources and efforts towards the things that improve their organisation and contribute to economic growth and quality of life for Kiwis, rather than towards compliance for the sake of compliance. 

The legislation introduces a stronger focus on critical risks – those that can result in death, serious injury, or illness – so businesses can better prioritise where to direct their time and resources.  

The reforms also respond to concerns about unclear expectations and limited guidance by strengthening Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) and sharpening WorkSafe’s focus on critical risks and practical support. 

“Businesses told us they need clearer, more practical guidance. The Bill clarifies that if a business follows an ACOP’s processes for managing a risk, they can be confident they are meeting their health and safety obligations for that risk.”  

Changes also introduce a more proportionate approach for small businesses, which will focus on managing critical risks while continuing to provide essential worker welfare facilities. 

“These changes give small businesses clarity about what they need to focus on to keep people safe, without unnecessary compliance burden.”  

Other key changes in the Act include: 

clearer duties for directors, so they can focus on governance rather than day-to-day management of a business 
reduced duplication with other regulatory systems, making compliance simpler 
clarifying responsibilities for recreational activities on land 
clearer requirements for reporting serious incidents. 

The changes will come into force on 1 April 2027. Guidance to support businesses to understand and meet their obligations will be released over the coming months. 

“These reforms strike the right balance – maintaining strong protections for workers while delivering a simpler, more effective system that focuses on critical risks and improves safety outcomes,” says Ms van Velden. ...