Construction

Featured in construction

Ignoring WorkSafe has consequences

We're reminding property owners, and those carrying out building work, that inspectors' notices are legally binding - and ignoring them puts safety at risk.

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We have updated our asbestos guidance

The guidance was developed in three stages. The first stage was published in August 2024. The second and third stages were published on 16 April 2026.

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New draft code of practice for roles and responsibilities in residential construction

We're developing a draft code of practice for residential construction that will set out expectations under HSWA, helping businesses meet their obligations and reduce harm.

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New guidance for upcoming HSWA changes

The new guidance outlines the difference between critical risk and other risk, how businesses can determine whether they are considered small or large under the Act, and the duties that apply to each.

These changes come into force on 1 April 2027.

Learn more

[image] Inspector with worker referring to some WorkSafe guidance

About the construction sector

15%

of all work-related fatalities and serious injuries happen in construction
10%

of New Zealand workers are employed in construction
9 to 10

deaths per year in the construction sector

Over the past decade, about 15% of worker fatalities and injuries were in construction. The construction sector also has the largest number of workers exposed to carcinogens.

Falls from height are a persistent cause of harm in residential construction. Vehicles, moving machinery, heavy objects, and earthworks pose serious risks on civil and building construction sites. Across the sector, there are risks of chronic harm from exposure to silica, asbestos, wood dust, welding, lead, and exhaust fumes.

The variety of risks, with a constantly changing work environment and multiple businesses working together require good planning and communication to ensure healthy and safe construction sites.

Download our construction sector plan:

Construction sector plan 2024–26 (PDF 38 KB)

Health and safety in construction

Key risks in construction

A to Z of risks in construction

Read our guidance and information about the key risks and topics related to construction.

Notifying WorkSafe

You must notify WorkSafe:

when serious injuries, illnesses, or incidents occur
for specific kinds of scheduled or completed work. For example, for certain asbestos removal, certain work from height, excavations, or using certain lifting appliances.

Notify WorkSafe

When to notify

Apply for an authorisation, permit, or certification

Some kinds of construction work require you to get a licence, permit, certificate, or authorisation before carrying out an activity.

Common aspects of construction work that require licences or certification include:

scaffolding
cranes
working near or removing asbestos
handling very hazardous substances (certified handlers).

List of applications

Application process

Research and data

We produce data to assist businesses and organisations to manage work health and safety risks.

Construction data(external link)

Read our research reports that look into different aspects of workplace health and safety.

Research reports