WorkSafe Consultations, Guidance, Newsletters and Feedback

You will find a range of health and safety consultations on issues that affect New Zealand workplaces

Whether you‘re a representative from a large company, a self-employed contractor or an interested member of the public, your opinions count.

Your views are important, and we encourage you to have your say.

If you have any queries about the draft guidance or the submission process, please email us at [email protected].

WorkSafe are seeking feedback on a proposal to revoke the two existing forestry approved codes of practice (ACOP) and replace with a single new ACOP.

The proposed code of practice provides guidance for businesses that carry out forestry and harvesting operations.

The deadline for receiving submissions is 5pm on Thursday 17 April 2025.

Read the draft guidelines and provide feedback

During the year WorkSafe send out newsletters to keep you informed.  You can subscribe to WorkSafe these newsletters to get them directly into your mailbox.

Newsletters:

February 2025 Work-Related Health Newsletter

December 2024 Work-Related Health Newsletter

November 2024 Work-Related Health Newsletter

24 September 2024 Work Related Health Newsletter

5 August 2024 Work Related Health Newsletter

7 May 2024 Work Related Health Newsletter

27 April 2024 Work Related Health Newsletter

12 February Work Related Health Newsletter

WorkSafe News and Media

Health & Safety at Work Act presentation - Gordon MacDonald, former Chief Executive, WorkSafe NZ

Health and Safety at Work Act presentation

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

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