Parliament has completed passage of legislation overhauling New Zealand's workplace safety regime, with the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill clearing its third reading.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden confirmed the Bill's passage, which delivers a commitment in the ACT-National coalition agreement.
The legislation directs regulatory attention toward critical risks that can result in death, serious injury or illness. Under the amended framework, businesses that adopt procedures outlined in an Approved Code of Practice for managing a risk will have assurance they are meeting their legal obligations for that hazard.
The Bill establishes enhanced status for Approved Codes of Practice and directs WorkSafe's attention to critical risks and practical support. The changes also establish proportionate requirements for small businesses, concentrating regulatory expectations on managing critical risks while maintaining obligations to provide essential worker welfare facilities.
Director duties are defined with greater precision under the Act, enabling board members to concentrate on governance functions rather than operational management. The legislation also reduces overlap with other regulatory systems to simplify compliance.
Further changes set out responsibilities for recreational activities on land and define requirements for reporting serious incidents to authorities.
The reforms become operative on 1 April 2027. Government materials to assist businesses in understanding and meeting their obligations will be published in the months ahead of implementation.