Natural events and emergencies

Businesses and organisations need to manage risks to make sure working conditions are safe in areas affected by natural events and emergencies.

Leptospirosis

Guidance and learning modules providing practical suggestions for managing and preventing leptospirosis, an infectious occupational zoonotic disease.

Leptospirosis: a risk after flooding and heavy rain

Outbreaks of leptospirosis may occur after flooding and heavy rain. Leptospirosis is a significant risk to people and animals especially in flood-prone environments.

Prevention and control of leptospirosis

This guidance provides practical suggestions for managing and preventing leptospirosis, an infectious disease that passes from animals to people and between animals.

Learning modules for managing and preventing leptospirosis

Learning modules for people who are working in close contact with animals, visiting rural/farming areas, conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs).

Leptospirosis: a risk for those working with animals

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease commonly spread from animals to people and between animals by infected urine or urine contaminated water and environments.

Working with animals

This section covers key points and other useful information about working with animals, identifying common hazards, and appropriate controls.

Working with silt or contaminated soil after a natural event or emergency

Always assume that debris and flood water (and therefore silt) is contaminated with farm run-off, chemicals, or sewage. Contaminated debris, flood water, and silt can make you sick.

Consultations

Whether you‘re a representative from a large organisation, a self-employed contractor or an interested member of the public, your views are important to us and we encourage you to have your say.

Health conditions notified to WorkSafe

Reducing work-related ill health is a priority for WorkSafe. We have specialists in a range of work health and safety fields who support businesses to manage work-related health risks.

News and media

We produce a range of information to keep you informed about our work. Here you can access our latest media releases, newsletters, bulletins and safety alerts.

What events need to be notified?

Find out which work-related illnesses, injuries and incidents need to be notified to WorkSafe

Children and young people on farms

Farms are environments where families work, live and play, and as a workplace, they raise unique challenges that other businesses may not even consider

Fasting of sheep prior to shearing guide

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

Safe sheep shearing guide

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

Publications and resources

We produce a range of publications and resources to help you understand and manage the risks associated with your business. You can browse by topic, industry and type of resource

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

11.0 Biological hazards

Dale McAlwee

Dale McAlwee is the grand finalist from Aorangi. Learn about his approach to health and safety.