Manufacturing
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Featured in manufacturing
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![[image] Man operating machine at manufacturing site](/assets/Tile/WKS-Old-0019RetailDimensions-TP2.jpg)
Safe use of machinery
Guidance that outlines the hazards that come with using machinery in the workplace, potential injuries and how best to control these hazards.
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Silica dust in the workplace
This guidance advises businesses of the risks of respirable crystalline silica dust and how to control them and protect their workers.
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Penalties rise over conveyor belt deaths
Courts have imposed more than $800,000 in penalties since mid-March, in response to workers being killed on unsafe conveyor belts in the manufacturing industry.
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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 (certifed handlers).
Case study: Improving health reduces injury rates
Sanitarium provides comprehensive health programmes for its ageing workforce to reduce injury rates, but other benefits include better staff retention and productivity.
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.