WorkSafe Changes A Welcome Step Towards Modern, Supportive Regulation

Scoop

02-06-2025

The change in focus for WorkSafe New Zealand is long overdue and should assist employers in keeping workers safer while having fewer concerns about being punished, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).
The changes - including a new letter of expectations, a restructured funding model, and a legislative rewrite of the regulator's core purpose - represent a significant shift in the approach to health and safety regulation in New Zealand.
The EMA has long advocated for a more balanced, collaborative model that fosters partnership and practical support for employers and workers.
'Hello, what can we do to help?' may be the new greeting from a WorkSafe inspector, says EMA Manager of Employment Relations & Safety Paul Jarvie.
"These reforms will help modernise WorkSafe into a regulator that promotes compliance through education rather than fear," he says.
"This is a welcome and necessary change. For years, businesses - particularly small and medium-sized enterprises - have felt they were being policed rather than supported.
"We've heard consistently from our members that the culture of enforcement-first created a climate of fear and concealment, rather than clarity and cooperation. This meant businesses were reluctant to call in WorkSafe for assistance because they were worried about simply being fined without getting the help or guidance they originally sought to avoid or manage a potential risk in the workplace.
"That feedback has come through strongly from our members for many years and Minister van Velden heard the concerns during her roadshow events with small to medium businesses last year. The EMA has been calling for a shift towards an enabling, advisory-based regulator - and it's pleasing to see the government respond."
The announcement includes a redefinition of WorkSafe's role, with a greater emphasis on early engagement, targeted guidance, and clear, consistent advice.
Updating and streamlining more than 50 guidance documents and re-prioritising critical risk areas are among the first steps being taken.
"Cleaning up of WorkSafe advice documents is long overdue and must continue," Jarvie says.
"Clear expectations, consistent advice, and a shared goal of risk reduction should be the foundation of our health and safety system. New Zealand workplaces are safer when employers and regulators work in partnership."
The EMA also supports the move to involve industries more directly in developing Approved Codes of Practice, with WorkSafe providing guidance and oversight.
"Industry knows its risks best," says Jarvie. "Empowering businesses to help shape the standards they work to - with proper regulatory oversight - is a smart, pragmatic approach that will deliver better compliance and ultimately, better outcomes for workers."
The EMA assisted the Minister 's review roadshow and found strong support from our members for these changes. The EMA is actively involved in supporting our members to meet and surpass their health and safety obligations through our comprehensive training programme.
The EMA looks forward to continuing to work with the government, WorkSafe, Unions and other key stakeholders to ensure the transition achieves its intended purpose: a modern, fit-for-purpose regulator focused on outcomes, not bureaucracy.