What is Occupational Health and Safety?
If something can cause harm we call it a 'hazard'. There are many potential hazards. Examples include moving parts in machinery, chemicals, excessive noise, falls, heavy lifting, and repetitive movements. New Zealand's occupational health and safety law - the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 - requires people in workplaces to have a system for identifying hazards and taking steps to prevent harm by removing or controlling hazards.
An occupational health and safety system defines the roles and responsibilities of people in the workplace like managers and employee representatives. It also covers the maintenance of documentation and records such as a workplace's health and safety policy. The system shows how a workplace will be made safe and healthy for all.
Refer also to information on obtaining a health and safety manual and maintaining health and safety records.
Date Modified: Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Disclaimer: The content on this website covers common problems. It will not answer every question
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
on the basis of information on this website, nor for any errors or omissions.
