Is it mandatory to comply with New Zealand Standards covering health and safety?
It is not compulsory under the Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992 to comply with a New Zealand Standard. However, if a New Zealand Standard exists for a workplace activity, practice or process, then it is generally accepted that complying with that Standard would be considered a practicable step towards ensuring safety. This is because that document is recognised as the current and accepted best practice.
The concept of taking all practicable steps is one of the key concepts in the Health & Safety in Employment Act.
More information about Standards New Zealand and the topics for which standards have developed can be obtained by visiting the website www.standards.co.nz
Complying with a New Zealand Standard is only one method that a person or business may take to fulfil their duty to take all practicable steps to ensure safety. A comparable or even greater level of safety could be achieved by implementing a different standard or practice. For example - adopting a recognised international or local industry standard.
Date Modified: Thursday, December 09, 2010
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and should not be used as a substitute for legislation or legal advice. State sector employers
and employees may be affected by some differences in the laws that apply to them (e.g. State
Sector Act 1988). The Department of Labour takes no responsibility for the results of any actions taken
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