WorkSafe NZ: health and safety duties for small businesses

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 places primary duty on the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). You must identify hazards, engage workers on health and safety, and keep records — not just a poster on the wall.

WorkSafe investigates serious harm events and can prosecute. High-risk sectors (construction, forestry, manufacturing) face targeted programmes. Notifiable events must be reported promptly; failing to notify is an offence separate from the underlying incident.

ACC covers injury levies but does not replace HSWA duties. Align your ACC experience rating with genuine hazard controls — inspectors and insurers both look at the same gaps.

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