Safe use of machinery

These guidelines outline the hazards that come with using machinery in the workplace, potential injuries and how best to control these hazards

Safe use of quad bikes - fact sheet

This fact sheet provides concise guidance on quad bike safety.

Keeping workers safe with machine lockouts

This guidance advises businesses on how to use lockouts to safely isolate and de-energise the parts of machinery.

Working safely with chemicals and fuels on farms

This good practice guideline helps farmers comply with the health, safety and environmental laws for chemicals and fuels.

Managing health and safety: A guide for farmers

These guidelines will help reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities by providing practical guidance on farm health and safety

Management and removal of asbestos

This Approved Code of Practice sets out WorkSafe New Zealand’s (WorkSafe) expectations about how to comply with asbestos health and safety law, including the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.

Safe sheep shearing guide

The purpose of these guidelines provide advice on how to keep people safe in the shearing industry.

Safety and health in arboriculture

This guide is primarily aimed at the arboriculture industry. It provides guidance on how to safely climb, prune, trim, maintain and remove trees, cut brush and for using equipment. It does not provide advice on electrical hazards.

Metal turning lathes

This fact sheet explains some of the ways to manage the risks associated with metal turning lathes and what controls can be used

Introduction to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 – special guide

A guide to New Zealand’s key work health and safety law and its regulator.

Information for victims and whānau about understanding enforceable undertakings

Understanding the process and timelines of enforceable undertakings (EUs) for victims and whānau.

Safe work with lifts, escalators and moving walkways

Good practice for work involving lifts, escalators or moving walkways.

Safe use of safety nets

A fall from a height is likely to result in a serious injury. By installing safety nets below a high-level work area, there is less likelihood that the person will be injured if they fall.

Kieran McCahon

Kieran McCahon is the grand finalist from Waikato/Bay of Plenty. Learn about his approach to health and safety.

Safe use of two-wheeled motorbikes on farms - information sheet

Information sheet providing practical tips and guidance for the safe use of two-wheeled motorbikes on farms.

Workforce insights programme: Employers and workers

The 2025 Workforce Insights Programme survey shows overall improvements in New Zealand’s work health and safety cultures, compared to 2023.

Manufacturing

Working safely at height

Preventing falls should be actively managed so that people working at height are kept safe. We have produced a variety of guidance about working safely at height.

Managing the risks of shift work

The aim of this guidance is to support persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) in managing risks from shift work.

Elimination

The most effective way to reduce noise levels at your work is to eliminate the noise source.

Inspection policy

This policy sets out a high level approach to inspections and how they support WorkSafe to achieve its targets.

How we use our exemption powers

This policy sets out how we use our exemption powers.

Adventure and outdoor recreation activities – managing the risks from natural hazards

Guidance for adventure activity operators and outdoor recreation activity providers.

Protective clothing and equipment for working with or near asbestos

This guidance provides information about personal protective equipment (PPE) for working with or near asbestos.

3.0 Managing risk throughout the contracting chain

Development of a work-related musculoskeletal disorders codes and conditions list

The codes and conditions list was developed to support WorkSafe with the classification of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Our report outlines how we did this.

Fasting of sheep prior to shearing guide

This good practice guideline covers the emptying out (fasting) of sheep prior to shearing.

Managing work site traffic – Good practice guidelines

This guide provides practical advice on ways to identify and control the health and safety risks associated with work site traffic.

Electrical safety at home

Electrical safety is particularly important when you have young children at home. Know how to keep them safe, what to do if someone in your house is electrocuted, and how to manage electrical fires.

Excavation safety

Guidelines for managing the health and safety risks associated with excavation work.

Electrical safety on small construction sites

This guide provides information about electrical supply and safety on small construction sites. It is for a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) who manages or controls a small construction site.

Napier Port triggers safety chain reaction

Sharing a serious near-miss led to Napier Port launching a collaborative project which addressed a serious safety risk, while bringing unexpected ‘spill-over’ benefits.

Department of Corrections

The Department of Corrections entry saw them eliminate the risk of crystalline silica dust from their Rolleston Prison offender building yards after significant changes to their building process.

Resources for HSRs

Tools and resources to support you in your role as an Health and Safety Representative

Using quick hitches safely

This fact sheet provides practical guidance for the safe use of quick hitches

Equipment for working at height

Selecting and operating the right equipment for working at height is an important part of managing a safe worksite

Worker engagement and participation

All businesses and undertakings must involve their workers in workplace health and safety.

Safety case submissions

Safety cases must be submitted to WorkSafe by a permit operator of a relevant production installation or a drilling contractor for a non-production installation

Keep safe, keep farming toolkit

The health and safety of everyone on your farm affects productivity and your ability to enjoy the lifestyle offered by living on farm. Find out what you can do to keep safe and keep farming

Dealing with a bullying concern – Our role

We respond to the most urgent or serious concerns to determine whether business systems and processes sufficiently protect workers from work risks.