Health and safety

We understand the legal framework

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 overhauled New Zealand’s health and safety regulatory infrastructure. It increased focus on health and safety, in particular stronger senior leadership accountability, increased sanctions, and worker engagement requirements – all intended to improve health and safety culture.

Our in-depth understanding of this legislation enables us to help you address the requirements and provide bespoke advice.

We have the skills and experience to manage your health and safety cases

Our experienced health and safety team is well equipped to support clients with:

• Advising on compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and associated regulations, codes of practice and other guidance
• Advising employers on health and safety prosecutions following workplace accidents - including representing the employer and employees in interviews and investigations by WorkSafe, and defending prosecutions brought by WorkSafe
• Providing advice on accidents and investigations, facilitating communications with the regulators, and helping clients avoid prosecution
• Drafting and revising workplace policies and strategies, including harassment, bullying and stress, and drug and alcohol use
• Training and easy to use guidelines on risks, obligations and best practice to health and safety professionals, employers, senior managers and employees
• Working with employers on health and safety claims raised as personal grievances, particularly bullying, harassment and stress-related claims. These cases can be complex as they often date back many years and can be time-consuming, costly and disruptive for employers if they are not managed well. We also undertake independent investigations in this area
• Advising on broader health and safety matters involving other relevant legislation, such as advising on earthquake prone buildings and the interaction between health and safety and building legislation.