Reducing work-related ill health is a priority for WorkSafe. We have specialists in a range of work health and safety fields who support businesses to manage work-related health risks. We use a range of insights to inform that work.

One insight that helps WorkSafe target our interventions is the approximately 1,000 notifications we receive each year about work-related health concerns. A specialist team reviews those notifications and may follow up if the situation warrants further action.

Read more about when we intervene

Notifications by type in 2023–24 compared with the previous year

Between July 2023 and June 2024, WorkSafe health inspectors reviewed 974 notifications covering 1,310 work-related health concerns (multiple concerns can be reported within a single notification). This is an increase on the 908 health notifications reviewed over the same period in 2022–23.

Open larger image

WRMSD = work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Physical health

704 notifications were for a physical health concern, which accounted for 54% of all notifications. Of these, 587 were for chemical injuries and exposures involving lead, carbon monoxide, or other industrial chemicals and solvents (83% of these notifications were for chemical exposures).

There were 112 notifications for biological exposures to bacteria, viruses, infectious diseases, or fungi, mostly for leptospirosis and campylobacteriosis. Five notifications were for physical exposures, which involves the transfer of energy between the environment and the body such as noise, vibration, or UV radiation.

Psychosocial risks

605 concerns were notified for a psychosocial risk: 211 for bullying and harassment, 169 for work-related stress, 60 for work-related fatigue, 23 for sexual harassment, 37 for workplace violence, and 105 for other mental health hazards or incidents. This is an increase from the 564 concerns notified for a psychosocial risk the previous year.

Work-related musculoskeletal risks

One notification was received for a work-related musculoskeletal risk (such as heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, or unsafe postures).

Who notifies us

Kaimahi and the public

We receive a number of notifications from kaimahi and concerned members of the public, including health professionals.

Businesses

Businesses are required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to notify us of certain illnesses or injuries.
 
Read more about what events need to be notified

Medical Officers of Health in Health New Zealand

Medical Officers of Health are required to notify us of certain health conditions, under section 199 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, if they reasonably believe those conditions arose from work.
 
Read about notifying occupational disease or illness

Notifying WorkSafe 

We continue to improve our notifications process and to build the resources available for businesses to address work-related health concerns.  

If you have a concern about an unsafe or unhealthy work situation, you can raise a health or safety concern with WorkSafe