Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill Update
The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill officially passed its third reading in Parliament on 1 July 2026. Members will recall the new act aims to refocus the system on critical risks, hazards most likely to cause death or serious injury, and reduce unnecessary compliance burdens and paperwork for businesses across New Zealand.
Key Changes Introduced:
- Focus on Critical Risks: The framework shifts focus towards critical risks, severe, life-altering, or fatal workplace hazards.
- Relief for Small Businesses: Companies with fewer than 20 employees will have simplified compliance obligations, but must still manage critical risks and maintain basic worker welfare, such as drinking water and toilets.
- Clarified Officer Duties: Company directors and officers are now required to focus on governance and risk management, rather than day-to-day operational safety.
- Safe Harbours: Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) have been strengthened. If your business complies with a specific ACOP, you are deemed to be meeting your duty for managing that specific risk.
- Recreational Land Use: The duties of landowners have been clarified to limit liability when people are using the land for recreation, relieving some concerns for farmers.
Next Steps & Timeline
Although the bill has passed its third reading, the government has reached an agreement to delay the official start date. Most of these legislative changes are expected to take effect on 1 April 2027.
Guidance to support businesses in understanding and meeting their obligations will be released over the coming months. Business Canterbury will provide updates to members on this support as it becomes available. For more information, click here.
