WorkSafe Consultations, Guidance, Newsletters and Feedback
Where you can find updates for WorkSafe consultations, guidance, newsletters and feedback.
WorkSafe Consultations
You will find a range of health and safety consultations on issues that affect New Zealand workplaces
Whether you‘re a representative from a large company, a self-employed contractor or an interested member of the public, your opinions count.
Your views are important, and we encourage you to have your say.
If you have any queries about the draft guidance or the submission process, please email us at [email protected].
WorkSafe Newsletters
During the year WorkSafe send out newsletters to keep you informed. You can subscribe to WorkSafe these newsletters to get them directly into your mailbox.
Newsletters:
November 2024 Work-Related Health Newsletter
24 September 2024 Work Related Health Newsletter
5 August 2024 Work Related Health Newsletter
7 May 2024 Work Related Health Newsletter
27 April 2024 Work Related Health Newsletter
12 February Work Related Health Newsletter
WorkSafe Guidance and Feedback
Health & Safety at Work Act presentation - Gordon MacDonald, former Chief Executive, WorkSafe NZ
Leptospirosis
WorkSafe’s updated leptospirosis guidance is now available
Leptospirosis is the most common work-related infectious disease in New Zealand.
People usually catch leptospirosis from exposure to the urine of infected animals (including farm, domestic and feral animals) or urine-contaminated soil and water. Infection can occur through cuts in the skin or through the eyes, nose or mouth.
Sickness from leptospirosis usually starts with flu-like symptoms, but if not treated quickly can be severe and result in hospitalisation, long-term illness, or even death.
The people most at risk are those who come into close contact with animals and are exposed to their urine, body fluids or flesh, especially in wet environments.
Heavy rain and flooding have been identified as an increasing risk in the spreading of leptospirosis. Last year’s extreme weather events have sadly seen a rise in reported cases in flood-affected regions.
See our updated guidance for practical suggestions to manage the risks to protect people from getting sick.
The guidance is for those working in close contact with animals and anyone visiting rural/farming areas.
• Quick guide on the prevention and control of leptospirosis
• One-page info sheet for those working with animals
• Online learning modules
Updating our leptospirosis guidance is part of our work to bring our guidance up to date and make it more accessible. Updates to the guidance have been made to reflect the Health and Safety at Work Act, ensure technical accuracy, and use plain language.
We have reformatted the guidance into a single document to make it more user-friendly, so you can read all our guidance about leptospirosis in one place. New online learning modules are also available, and we have developed a printable one-page info sheet with key points for workers.
This replaces the previous leptospirosis good practice guide and nine fact sheets that were about specific jobs or animal species.
Thank you to those stakeholders, industry bodies, businesses and workers who provided feedback on the previous version of the guidance to help us improve it.
Read the leptospirosis guidance on the WorkSafe website
Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Ports
The Port Health and Safety Leadership Group and WorkSafe NZ have developed an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for Loading and Unloading Cargo at Ports and on Ships. Recently approved by the relevant ministers, this ACOP will take effect on 29 November 2024.
This ACOP sets baseline safety standards and addresses inconsistencies across the port sector. It is legally recognized under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and helps businesses ensure compliance with safety regulations.
For more details, visit the Maritime NZ website or contact [email protected].
Approved code of practice for loading and unloading cargo at ports and on ships