Manufacturing
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Featured in manufacturing
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![[image] Baker using a commercial oven](/assets/Tile/650043-baker-using-a-commercial-oven.jpg)
Food manufacturing in focus as proactive visits support safer work
We are turning our attention to food product manufacturing, with a nationwide programme of proactive safety visits over the next three months.
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WorkSafe helps hundreds of wood manufacturers lift their safety game
WorkSafe New Zealand has provided practical safety guidance to hundreds of wood manufacturing businesses, as part of a significant proactive focus on one of the country's most dangerous sectors.
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![[image] lock](/assets/element/cards/AdobeStock_1711721958-element-tile.jpg)
Three critical safety failures that led to worker losing fingers
A worker's life-changing injuries at a commercial bakery have exposed fundamental safety failures that WorkSafe says are far too common across New Zealand workplaces.
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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.
![[image] Inspector with worker referring to some WorkSafe guidance](/assets/Hero-and-abstract-imagery/Homepage-images/Large-promo-1300x1300-px/868311-inspector-with-worker-referring-to-some-worksafe-guidance-campaign.jpg)
About the manufacturing sector
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20%
of all work-related injuries happen in manufacturing
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9%
of New Zealand workers are employed in manufacturing
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4 to 5
deaths per year on average in manufacturing
Manufacturing is a large and diverse sector with high numbers of Māori and Pacific kaimahi.
There are more injuries in manufacturing than any other sector, and it has the fifth-highest number of workplace deaths.
Manufacturing workers can experience a range of potentially harmful exposures including dusts, fumes, chemicals, noise, vibration, musculoskeletal stressors, shift work, and extreme temperatures.
Download our manufacturing sector plan:
Health and safety in manufacturing
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Getting started with health and safety
Get a general introduction to health and safety at work.
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How to manage work risks
The risks you need to identify, assess, and manage depend on the type of work you do.
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Overlapping duties
Businesses that work together will likely share health and safety duties in relation to the same matter. These are known as overlapping duties.
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PCBUs working together: Advice when contracting
These guidelines are for PCBUs who are sharing a workplace with other businesses or are working as part of a contracting chain.
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Worker engagement, participation and representation
All businesses and undertakings must involve their workers in workplace health and safety.
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Key risks in manufacturing
Read our guidance and information about the key risks and topics related to manufacturing.
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Machinery
Read our guidelines aimed at employers, engineers, designers, manufacturers and distributors of machinery.
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Vehicles & mobile machinery
Information about keeping safe around vehicles and mobile plant at work, including site traffic management, forklifts, and seatbelts.
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Dust
Information to help reduce exposure to dust that can cause irreversible chronic conditions, and all our accelerated silicosis information.
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Fumes
Find guidance and support to manage carbon monoxide and local exhaust ventilation systems.
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Working at height
Guidance on how to work safely at height and on roofs, including guidance on elevating work platforms, scaffolding, and other equipment.
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Traffic management
Guidance on how to safely manage traffic at your work site, and safe reversing and spotting practices.
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A to Z of risks in manufacturing
Notifying WorkSafe
You must notify WorkSafe:
- when serious injuries, illnesses, or incidents occur
- for specific kinds of scheduled or completed work. For example, logging or tree felling undertaken for commercial purposes.
Apply for an authorisation, permit, or certification
Some kinds of manufacturing work require you to get a licence, permit, certificate, or authorisation before carrying out an activity.
Common aspects of manufacturing work that require licences or certification include:
- handling very hazardous substances (certified handlers).
Research and data
We produce data to assist businesses and organisations to manage work health and safety risks.
Manufacturing data(external link)
Read our research reports that look into different aspects of workplace health and safety.