Information for territorial authorities

This fact sheet provides general information for territorial authorities about Major Hazard Facilities (MHFs) and the roles of WorkSafe New Zealand (WorkSafe), territorial authorities and MHF operators.

Emergency preparedness in mining and tunnelling operations - Approved Code of Practice (ACOP)

This ACOP sets out WorkSafe’s expectations for managing emergencies in mining and tunnelling operations. It provides information on developing an emergency plan and what it should contain, how to test and review the plan, and how to respond to an emergency

Government management of the petroleum industry

Six government agencies and 16 regional councils carry out specific roles and responsibilities in managing petroleum and mineral exploration and production in New Zealand waters.

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

Guidance for adventure activity operators and outdoor recreation activity providers.

Major hazard facilities

Guidance for commercial white water rafting operators

These guidelines offer advice on keeping workers and participants safe while white water rafting.

Documents and resources

The Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016 (the Regulations) deal with the provision of adventure activities. Find are some useful documents to provide more information about how WorkSafe regulates adventure activities.

Asbestos in Aotearoa New Zealand

This guidance is for anyone interested in the history of asbestos in New Zealand and the diseases it can cause.

Information for commercial mountain-biking operators

This information is for businesses that offer mountain-biking activities and may need to register as an adventure activity operator under the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016.

Working at height in New Zealand

Good practice guide providing practical guidance to employers, contractors, workers and all others engaged in work associated with working at height

What we mean by 'adventure activity'

Here we explain what we mean by an 'adventure activity' so operators, the Registrar, and WorkSafe inspectors can determine if an operation is an adventure activity.

Safe use of tractors - fact sheet

On average, six to seven farmers are killed every year in New Zealand when using farm tractors. Many hundreds have been seriously injured. The majority of injuries involving farm tractors are caused by tractors rolling over or people being tangled in implements and machinery.

How to load and unload a quad bike for transport

This fact sheet gives information on how to manage risks in loading and unloading a quad bike when transporting it on another vehicle.

Regulations at a glance

The Health and Safety at Work Act Regulations are intended to support businesses to understand what they need to do to comply with the general duties of the Act.

NZ Mine Plans

NZ Mine Plans is a purpose-built database with an interactive GIS webmap. It provides free access to a catalogue of plans for recent and historic mines in New Zealand.

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.

Bakeries

New Zealand’s baking scene is a growing sector and, as part of the wider hospitality sector, is one of the biggest employers in the country.

Improvements to WorkSafe’s adventure activities regulatory function

Following the review of WorkSafe New Zealand’s performance of its regulatory functions in relation to activities on Whakaari White Island, WorkSafe has continued to strengthen its administration of the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016 (the Regulations).

Audits and inspections

Anyone who designs, installs and/or operates electrical or gas installations and networks, or supplies or installs electrical or gas appliances and fittings in New Zealand can be audited by us.

Collision repair

New Zealand’s collision repair industry is a thriving sector. It is also one with a variety of risks that may need to be managed.

Response to Review of WorkSafe’s Performance of its Regulatory Functions in Relation to Activities on Whakaari White Island

WorkSafe has welcomed the recommendations in the Review of WorkSafe New Zealand’s Performance of its Regulatory Functions in Relation to Activities on Whakaari White Island, published on 22 October 2021.

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

Unattended refuelling sites

Good practice to help site operators identify and manage the risks associated with dispensing petrol/fuel at unattended refuelling sites.

Food trucks

Food trucks are a growing sector and, as part of the wider hospitality sector, employs a growing number of New Zealanders.

Petroleum notifications: quick guide

This quick guide explains when petroleum related notifications are required, and how you can notify us.

Emergency planning

Operators of designated major hazard facilities must prepare and test an emergency plan . We have produced guidance for operators of lower tier major hazard facilities (LTMHF) and upper tier major hazard facilities (UTMHF) on how to prepare, write and maintain an emergency plan.

Safety Management Systems (SMS)

A safety management system ensures so far as is reasonably practicable the gas supply system does not pose significant risk of serious harm to a person or significant damage to property.
Owners and operators of gas supply systems that supply, or are intended to supply, annual consumption greater than 10 TJ of gas per year, are required to implement and maintain an SMS.

Amusement devices

The use and operation of amusement devices in New Zealand is covered by certain requirements. Amusement devices include fairground rides and other mechanically-powered appliances that are used for rider entertainment.

Pipelines - Safe Work Instrument

This is the Health and Safety in Employment (Pipelines - Design, Construction, Operation, Maintenance, Suspension, and Abandonment Requirements) Safe Work Instrument 2023.

Mining, quarrying and tunnelling notifications

Forms to notify WorkSafe about high risk activities, mining and tunnelling operations, and quarry and alluvial mine operations

Apply for adventure activity operator registration

Find out how to register as an adventure activity operator or amend or renew an existing registration.

Mobile plant assessment tool

This assessment tool has a focus on the machines involved in machine felling and extraction. It is designed to supplement the Forestry Assessment tool which has a broader focus on the people, the site, and the plan.

Petroleum

Change in attitude key to tackling fatigue

In December 2015, Fonterra launched a programme to help keep their tanker drivers safe by putting fatigue front and centre. This change in attitude was key to tackling fatigue.

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.

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

15.0 Managing the risks from site access and preparation of log landings

Tree felling near powerlines in forestry operations

The following guidance is provided for Inspectors who engage with duty holders working near power lines. This could include e.g tree felling operations, operating mobile plant and arboriculture operations.