The following information and resources are available to help Health and Safety Representatives.
Legislation
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA)
HSWA is New Zealand's workplace health and safety law. It recognises that a well-functioning health and safety system relies on participation, leadership and accountability by government, business and workers.
HSWA sets out principles, duties and rights in relation to workplace health and safety.
Health and Safety at Work (Worker Engagement, Participation and Representation) Regulations 2016
These regulations cover matters relating to work groups, health and safety representatives (HSRs), and health and safety committees (HSCs) to support more effective worker participation. This includes information on who can be an HSR, HSR training and HSCs.
The regulations also specify:
- the health and safety issues that an inspector, appointed by WorkSafe, may help to resolve
- the sectors or industries considered high-risk for the purposes of HSR and HSC requirements.
Resources to help create a positive health and safety culture in your workplace
Puataunofo Come Home Safely initiative
The Puataunofo initiative:
- raises awareness of health and safety issues for Pacific workers and their employers to reduce workplace injuries
- informs the Pacific workforce about health and safety practices and standards
- develops a holistic approach to marketing and communications.
Puataunofo includes a focus on educating health and safety representatives.
Hiki learning cards
As you grow into your role as an HSR, it will change as you see and learn more. We also recognise that it’s a voluntary workplace role, and sometimes you may not have the time you need to dedicate to it.
The real purpose of the HSR role is to help in the ways that you can.
It all starts by caring about your mates at work, listening, and understanding them.
The Hiki cards can help you decide which parts of the HSR role are the best fit for you and will help you have conversations with your manager on how they can support you. You can also see how you might want to grow in the role. They were all written by HSRs, for HSRs.
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