Work-related health

About work-related health

Work-related health is about the impact work can have on people’s health. In the past, we've called it occupational health

Why the focus on work-related health

Find out why we are so focused on work-related health

Work-related health estimates and burden of harm

Every year, there are hundreds of deaths and many thousands of hospitalisations and ACC claims caused by long-term exposure to health risks at work. In fact, the burden on workers, their families and the wider economy from work-related ill-health far outweighs the burden from work related injuries.

Work-related health strategic plan

Our Strategic Plan for Work-Related Health outlines our plan for a New Zealand where fewer people experience work-related ill-health

Work-related health updates

Articles and updates about work-related health.

Fatigue

Many industries rely on workers being physically and mentally alert. Fatigue is a state of physical and/or mental exhaustion which reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively.

Noise

We've created a toolbox of resources to help you understand what noise induced hearing loss is, the risks around noise at work, and how to manage them.

Ergonomics

Read our guidance relating to ergonomic risks, safe use of computers, and working posture.

Work-related stress

Workplace stress and fatigue not only affect productivity but can also affect the physical and emotional health of your workers

Our position on work-related health

This position sets out our expectations of duty holders for work-related health under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) , the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, and Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

Clean air programme

The aim of our Clean Air programme is to reduce the risk of respiratory ill-health caused by exposure to airborne contaminants in the workplace

Protecting workers from solar UV radiation

Workers exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun may develop serious health conditions, such as skin cancer.

Violence at work

Violence in the workplace can take many forms – ranging from physical assault, robberies and verbal abuse to intimidation and low-level threatening behaviour.

Domestic Violence Victims’ Protection Act

Domestic violence - or family violence – includes physical, sexual or psychological abuse in family and intimate relationships. The Domestic Violence Victims’ Protection Act came into force at the beginning of April 2019. It enhances legal protections at work for people affected by domestic or family violence.

Moving and handling people in the healthcare industry

Moving and Handling People in the Healthcare Industry is aimed at PCBUs in healthcare, and aims to clarify their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). It also provides advice on building and maintaining robust moving and handling systems as an integrated part of their larger health and safety management systems.

Tools and resources - work-related health

We are constantly updating and adding to the work-related health tools and resources.