Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

The difference between work health and safety PPE and public health PPE

There is a difference between personal protective equipment (PPE) required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), and PPE recommended or required in public health guidance about COVID-19.

Operating safely – what you need to think about

Implementing or maintaining infectious disease controls is remains vital for the health and safety of workers and other people regardless of the Alert Level.

Information for workers

Here’s what you need to know about working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our regulatory approach to our COVID Act responsibilities

During the COVID-19 pandemic our role is as the primary work health and safety and energy safety regulator. We also have an additional role enforcing the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020. This means we have to make choices about how we’ll respond to COVID Act breaches.

Hazardous substances and PECPR

Our expectations of businesses that have PECPR equipment and those with hazardous substances.

How we're helping frontline workers stay healthy and safe at work

For most businesses and services the COVID-19 pandemic means paying closer attention to the basics, like regularly cleaning surfaces. However, for those who are on the frontline of the government’s COVID-19 response, it means something different.

Advice for delivery drivers

Delivery services must observe the requirements around physical distancing for the Alert Level their region is subject to, as well as practising good hygiene and staying home if you are unwell.

Engaging volunteers during during the COVID-19 pandemic

The steps you take to ensure your volunteers’ health and safety at work during the COVID-19 pandemic will likely be the same as those you take with your other workers.

Managing supply issues for PPE

We are updating our guidance about managing work health and safety at Alert Levels 2 and 3. In the meantime you can see our previous guidance.

Working from home

Many people will still be working from home. This may continue to present new risks that businesses will need to manage.

Checking that people are safe and well to work

It is vital that workers who are unwell do not come into contact with other workers or other people at work.

Resources for maintaining mentally healthy work during COVID-19

There is a range of specific COVID-19 mental health guidance available for people, including for those working from home.