WorkSafe Consultations, Guidance, Newsletters and Feedback

Approved Code of Practice and Good Practice Guidelines

• Join WorkSafe to discuss new ACOP projects in agriculture

  WorkSafe is beginning work on two new Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) for the agriculture sector: 
  

  • Roles and responsibilities in agriculture 

  • Safe use of farm vehicles and machinery 

  We’re hosting a series of online sessions to share information about these projects and hear your views.  

  Session details 
  Register your attendance for one of the following sessions: 

  • Session 1: Friday 5 September 10 - 11.30am – register here 

  • Session 2: Monday 8 September 12 – 1.30pm – register here 

  • Session 3: Tuesday 9 September 1 - 2.30pm – register here 

  • Session 4: Thursday 11 September 10 - 11.30am – register here 

   If you are unable to attend any of these sessions, let us know what will work for you. We’ll do our best to meet your needs.  

  Agenda 

  • Welcome and introductions 

  • Sharing the background of the two ACOP projects 

  • Talking through project timelines and milestones 

  • Exploring how people can be involved 
    • Ways to share input 
    • Helping us connect with technical expertise and networks 

  • Looking ahead: next steps, including a reference group 

  • Wrap-up and close 

   Your feedback will help us shape how these ACOPs are developed, making sure they are practical, effective, and reflect the realities of farming. 

   These sessions will be recorded so we can carefully review and consider your feedback.

  Ngā mihi

  On behalf of Renee Laulu and Henrietta Kjaer – Agriculture ACOP Leads

  Guidance Products
  8 Willis Street, PO Box 165, Wellington 6140
  W   worksafe.govt.nz

       

  

   

• New Forestry Approved Code of Practice

  WorkSafe has released new guidance to support safer forestry operations, following a year in which the sector recorded the highest fatality rate of any industry. The updated Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for forestry and harvesting was developed in collaboration with industry partners.
  
  The ACOP sets out clear responsibilities and legal expectations for operators while giving workers a benchmark for what 'good' looks like. Updates include machine safety, planting and pruning, work-related health, and tree felling. 

  WorkSafe press release.
  ACOP - Safe Practice for Forestry and Harvesting Operations.

• Keeping Your Service Station Compliant with the Hazardous Substances Regulations quick guide.

  

  As you may know, WorkSafe New Zealand has developed health and safety guidance for unattended refuelling sites. 

  New guidance is available to help service station operators manage the risks at unattended refuelling sites. It sets out how service station operators can help keep people healthy and safe.

  The risks between attended and unattended sites are similar. However, unattended service stations don’t have workers onsite to respond to an emergency. More preventative measures and systems need to be in place.

   

  Good practice guidance is not the law, but it should be followed to keep people safe. All service stations must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

  You can read this new guidance on the WorkSafe website here:

  Unattended refuelling sites

  We have also updated the Keeping Your Service Station Compliant with the Hazardous Substances Regulations quick guide. It now includes information provided by Fire and Emergency New Zealand about their Emergency Services Information Summary. We've also made the guide easier to follow.

  Service station operators are encouraged to use the guidance, and complete the Emergency Services Information Summary for Service Stations. This template gives Fire and Emergency NZ key information about the hazardous substances onsite, helping them respond to any emergencies quickly and safely.

  More information can be found here: Keeping your service station compliant with the hazardous substances regulations

   

  We would like to thank all stakeholders who consulted on the new and updated guidance and helped in its development. Please share this guidance, and the updated quick guide, with operators in your network who may find it relevant.

  If you have any questions about this guidance, please get in touch by sending us an email.

  On behalf of Matt Stewart
  Guidance Content Advisor
  Guidance Products
  8 Willis St, Wellington 6140
  E     [email protected]
  P     +64 4 816 9413
  W    worksafe.govt.nz

• Leptospirosis

  WorkSafe’s updated leptospirosis guidance is now available

  

  Leptospirosis is the most common work-related infectious disease in New Zealand. 

  People usually catch leptospirosis from exposure to the urine of infected animals (including farm, domestic and feral animals) or urine-contaminated soil and water. Infection can occur through cuts in the skin or through the eyes, nose or mouth. 

  Sickness from leptospirosis usually starts with flu-like symptoms, but if not treated quickly can be severe and result in hospitalisation, long-term illness, or even death.  
   
  The people most at risk are those who come into close contact with animals and are exposed to their urine, body fluids or flesh, especially in wet environments. 

  Heavy rain and flooding have been identified as an increasing risk in the spreading of leptospirosis. Last year’s extreme weather events have sadly seen a rise in reported cases in flood-affected regions. 

  See our updated guidance for practical suggestions to manage the risks to protect people from getting sick. 
   
  The guidance is for those working in close contact with animals and anyone visiting rural/farming areas.
   
  •    Quick guide on the prevention and control of leptospirosis
  •    One-page info sheet for those working with animals 
  •    Online learning modules

  Updating our leptospirosis guidance is part of our work to bring our guidance up to date and make it more accessible. Updates to the guidance have been made to reflect the Health and Safety at Work Act, ensure technical accuracy, and use plain language.  

  We have reformatted the guidance into a single document to make it more user-friendly, so you can read all our guidance about leptospirosis in one place. New online learning modules are also available, and we have developed a printable one-page info sheet with key points for workers.  

  This replaces the previous leptospirosis good practice guide and nine fact sheets that were about specific jobs or animal species. 

  Thank you to those stakeholders, industry bodies, businesses and workers who provided feedback on the previous version of the guidance to help us improve it.

  Read the Leptospirosis guidance on the WorkSafe Website

• Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Ports

  The Port Health and Safety Leadership Group and WorkSafe NZ have developed an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships. Recently approved by the relevant ministers, this ACOP will take effect on 29 November 2024.

  This ACOP sets baseline safety standards and addresses inconsistencies across the port sector. It is legally recognized under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and helps businesses ensure compliance with safety regulations.

  For more details, visit the Maritime NZ website or contact [email protected].

  Approved code of practice for loading and unloading cargo at ports and on ships

• Cutting and welding drums and tanks

  

  Drums and tanks that seem to be empty can contain residues of flammable substances or flammable vapours. These substances or vapours can explode or ignite on contact with a flame or spark, causing serious injuries.

  This quick guide provides information on how to eliminate and minimise the risk of fire and explosion when cutting and repairing  drums and tanks. This quick guide is for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) that: 

  • dispose of, sell, or donate drums and tanks, or
  • cut, alter, or repair drums or tanks as part of their work. 

  WorkSafe Guidance - Cutting and Welding Drums and Tanks