The State of Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the Workplace in New Zealand

New Zealand’s landscape of workplace health, safety, and wellbeing has come under increasing scrutiny as recent reports reveal significant gaps and ongoing challenges.

Despite the implementation of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, New Zealand continues to lag behind countries like Australia and the UK in workplace safety outcomes. In 2023, work-related incidents cost the country an estimated NZ$4.9 billion, with nearly half of New Zealanders affected directly or indirectly by these incidents.

Key Challenges in Workplace Safety

1. High Fatality and Injury Rates: New Zealand’s work-related fatality rate remains significantly higher than those of Australia and the UK. Approximately 70 people die from work-related accidents annually, and between 5,000 to 6,000 hospitalisations occur each year due to workplace incidents. The fatality rate is 60% higher than in Australia, underscoring the urgent need for a more effective and responsive health and safety framework.
2. Regulatory Overreach and Inefficiencies: According to a commentary by The New Zealand Initiative, excessive and often irrational regulations have stifled productivity and burdened businesses with unnecessary compliance costs. Instances of over-regulation, such as the requirement of extensive paperwork for simple tasks, demonstrate a system that has lost touch with practical realities.
3. Reactive Regulatory System: The current regulatory system in New Zealand has been criticised for being reactive rather than proactive. A recent review highlighted that New Zealand’s approach lacks clear oversight and accountability, which are crucial for improving workplace safety standards. Unlike the UK’s Health and Safety Executive, New Zealand’s regulators are not as well-coordinated or equipped to enforce proactive measures​.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Health and Safety Plan

A well-defined health and safety plan is essential for any business to operate safely and efficiently. Working Wise emphasises the importance of such plans, noting that they not only help businesses comply with legal obligations but also actively reduce risks, prepare for emergencies, and foster a safer and more motivated workforce. By developing a tailored health and safety strategy, businesses can create a framework that supports the well-being of their employees and ensures regulatory compliance.

Moving Forward: Recommendations for Businesses

As the New Zealand government embarks on reviewing its health and safety regulations, businesses have an opportunity to advocate for more balanced and practical approaches that emphasise genuine risk management over box-ticking exercises. This review aims to refine the existing laws to make them more adaptable and less burdensome while still maintaining high safety standards. The goal is to enable businesses to manage health and safety effectively without the overwhelming red tape that currently hinders practical judgement and innovation​.

Why GOSH is the Solution for Modern Workplace Safety

In light of these challenges, adopting a robust health and safety management system like GOSH can significantly enhance workplace safety. GOSH offers a streamlined, user-friendly platform that helps businesses monitor, report, and manage health and safety risks effectively. By centralising safety processes, GOSH reduces the administrative burden on businesses, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—keeping their employees safe and well.

GOSH aligns with Working Wise’s commitment to making health and safety accessible, actionable, and impactful. With its comprehensive suite of features, GOSH empowers businesses to stay compliant, reduce incidents, and build a culture of safety that resonates throughout the organisation.

Ready to transform your approach to workplace safety? Contact Working Wise today to learn how GOSH can support your business in creating a safer and more productive workplace.