Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) is New Zealand’s main law for keeping people safe at work. It sets out clear rules for how businesses, employers, and workers must manage health and safety. The goal is simple: make sure everyone goes home healthy and safe every day.

This law matters because workplace injuries and illnesses can affect not just people, but also productivity, team morale, and business reputation. The 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act replaced the old Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 to create a stronger safety culture in all types of workplaces; from small retail shops in Auckland to large construction sites across New Zealand.

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In this guide you’ll learn:

• The main purpose of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Employer and employee responsibilities under HSWA
• What the regulations require
• How to manage health and safety effectively
• Practical steps to stay compliant

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What is the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015?

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The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 is the key piece of New Zealand law that sets out how workplaces must manage risks to protect people from harm. It focuses on preventing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by encouraging everyone, from business owners to employees, to take responsibility for health and safety.

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This law is based on the idea that everyone has a role to play in keeping workplaces safe.

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The Purpose of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

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The purpose of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 is to:

• Protect workers and others from risks to their health, safety, and wellbeing
• Promote safe work practices and a positive safety culture
• Encourage cooperation between employers, employees, and contractors
• Make businesses actively identify and manage risks before incidents happen

In short, it’s about being proactive rather than reactive.

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Key Duties Under the Act

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Employers / PCBUs (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)

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Main responsibilities

• Ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others affected by work.

Examples of actions

• Provide a safe workplace.
• Maintain equipment.
• Train staff.
• Prepare for emergencies.

Employees / Workers

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Main responsibilities

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
• Follow workplace policies and instructions.

Examples of actions

• Use protective equipment.
• Report hazards.
• Follow workplace health and safety procedures.

Officers (Company Directors, Owners, Senior Leaders)

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Main responsibilities

• Exercise due diligence by understanding health and safety risks.
• Ensure appropriate health and safety systems are in place.
• Monitor and review health and safety performance.

Examples of actions

• Review health and safety reports.
• Allocate resources for training.
• Lead by example.

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Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 Regulations

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The Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 support the Act by providing detailed rules. These cover things like:

• First aid and emergency plans
• Working with hazardous substances
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Managing risks around noise, manual handling, and confined spaces

Businesses must follow these regulations to stay compliant with the New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

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Key Takeaways for Employers and Employees

• Everyone has a role in keeping the workplace safe.
• Employers must take all reasonable steps to protect workers and visitors.
• Employees should follow safety rules and report hazards early.
• Regular communication between teams strengthens safety awareness.
• Training, clear policies, and leadership commitment are key to compliance.
• Health and safety is not just a legal requirement; it’s part of a respectful, people-focused workplace.

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