Latest News and Information
Weekly H&S update 13 July 2025
- New trailer-safety guidance
WorkSafe NZ released guidance on transport trailers to plug a critical safety gap for businesses moving heavy machinery, covering load securing and inspection best practices. (WorkSafe) - Conveyor-belt death penalties rise
Since mid-March, courts have imposed over $800 000 in fines following multiple fatalities on unsafe conveyor belts in manufacturing. WorkSafe applauds tougher sentencing as a deterrent. (WorkSafe) - Toxic-gas ordeal at landfill
An excavation team at an Auckland landfill was exposed to hydrogen sulphide when gas monitors weren’t used. Survivors recount confusion and delayed evacuation; WorkSafe highlights inadequate risk assessment. (Scoop) - WorkSafe site-visits programme
Between July and September 2025, WorkSafe will conduct engagement-focused visits (not formal inspections) across sectors to understand on-site safety practices, aiming to build collaborative trust. (nzkgi.org.nz) - Shift from enforcement to advice
Minister Brooke van Velden announced a strategic refocus of WorkSafe from punitive inspections toward early advisory support, updating 50+ guidance documents and launching a road-cone hotline. (RNZ) - Safeguard 2025 awards winners
At the June gala in Auckland, a fatigue-management initiative won top honours in the NZ Workplace Health & Safety Awards, showcasing innovative approaches to reducing worker fatigue. (healthandsafety.govt.nz) - Road-cone hotline launched
WorkSafe’s new “excessive road cone” hotline went live, allowing the public and businesses to report safety-hindering cone misuse and prompting immediate advisory intervention. (The Beehive) - Barbers exempted from some regs
Under new Ministry for Regulation rules, hairdressers and barbers no longer need annual licensing visits or payments but remain bound by the Health and Safety at Work Act for critical risks. (regulation.govt.nz) - HSW Reform Bill priorities
A Health and Safety at Work Reform Bill has been flagged as a top-priority omnibus amendment for 2025, aiming to sharpen officer duties and streamline notification requirements. (MBIE) - Call for systemic leap
An NZ Doctor commentary argues that current reforms are “baby steps” and urges the government to invest more boldly in proactive safety improvements rather than marginal tweaks. (nzdoctor.co.nz)