Focus area 4: an effective work health and safety system needs effective regulators
We are seeking feedback on your experiences with the health and safety regulators, and the people and organisations that have roles within the system.
On this page
This consultation document has covered the parts of the work health and safety regulatory system that are critical to its functioning – businesses, workers, and the law and supporting information (eg guidance). Another key part of the system are the health and safety regulators – WorkSafe, Maritime New Zealand, and the Civil Aviation Authority.
The wide-reaching nature of health and safety law means WorkSafe, as the primary regulator, must cover a range of hazards and risks across different businesses, activities, and sectors/industries (eg industries with the potential for catastrophic harm, such as mining, through to lower-risk workplaces, such as retail).
This requires the regulator to decide how it focuses its attention on the riskiest sectors and activities, while also supporting lower-risk businesses to comply through information provision such as education and guidance.
Businesses also engage with third parties that are authorised by WorkSafe or by regulations to check compliance, inspect equipment and machinery, audit safety systems, and issue licences or certificates of competence. For example, compliance certifiers are authorised by WorkSafe to check compliance with the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.
20. In what ways have you interacted with WorkSafe or another health and safety regulator?
Education and training materials:
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Yes
-
No
Online and published information and resources:
-
Yes
-
No
Workplace visits (eg inspections and follow up activity):
-
Yes
-
No
Public campaigns (eg social media, appearance at events):
-
Yes
-
No
Queries to the regulator:
-
Yes
-
No
Applications for licences, certificates, or exemptions:
-
Yes
-
No
Registering equipment:
-
Yes
-
No
Notifications (eg of incidents or high-risk activities):
-
Yes
-
No
Interaction with regulatory tools (eg safe work instruments online):
-
Yes
-
No
a). Thinking of each interaction in question 20, did you get what you needed to comply with your health and safety obligations? Feel free to provide further information.
-
yes, completely
-
yes, partially
-
no
b). Would you describe your interactions with the regulator as useful, reasonable, and timely? Feel free to provide further information.
21. Which third parties authorised by the regulator or regulations have you interacted with? Select all that apply:
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Licensing bodies (eg for scaffolders or mining)
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Auditors (eg of health and safety systems or processes)
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Compliance certifiers, assessors, or inspection personnel (eg for hazardous substances, pressure equipment)
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Other (please specify)
a). Thinking of your most recent interaction, did you get what you needed to comply with your health and safety obligations? Feel free to provide further information.
-
yes, completely
-
yes, partially
-
no
b). Would you describe your interactions with the third parties as useful, reasonable, and timely? Feel free to provide further information.
22. Do you know what consequences you would face for not complying with your health and safety obligations? Do you think these consequences are appropriately balanced and reasonable? Please explain your answer.
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