Key points at a glance
- The HSWA 2015 is New Zealand’s core work health and safety law.
- A “PCBU” (business or undertaking) must keep workers and others safe so far as is reasonably practicable.
- WorkSafe New Zealand is the regulator and can investigate and prosecute.
- Working at height, excavations and hazardous substances are major construction risks.
Duties under the Act
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 places the primary duty on a “PCBU” — a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking — to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and anyone else affected by the work, including homeowners and the public.
That means identifying hazards, putting controls in place, providing the right equipment and training, and consulting workers. Even sole traders have duties under the Act.
Common construction risks and WorkSafe
Construction is a higher-risk sector. Falls from height, unshored excavations, electricity, mobile plant, dust and asbestos are leading causes of harm, and each has specific good-practice guidance.
WorkSafe New Zealand is the regulator. It can carry out inspections, issue improvement or prohibition notices, and prosecute serious breaches. Following WorkSafe’s guidance is the practical way to meet your duties.
For homeowners
- Understand a professional site should be run safely — fencing, signage and controls.
- Don’t pressure tradespeople to work unsafely to save time or money.
- For asbestos or major work, expect a proper safety plan.
For tradespeople
- Identify hazards and put reasonably practicable controls in place.
- Provide training, equipment and supervision, and consult your workers.
- Follow WorkSafe good-practice guidance for height, excavation and hazardous work.
Official sources
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