April 2025 was a big month for health and safety. The Government announced proposed changes to health and safety laws with the aim of making compliance easier, especially for small businesses. At the same time, there is a growing awareness of how technology is changing workplace safety.
One of the first changes the Government announced is to make small, low-risk businesses exempt from the general requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Which businesses will qualify as 'low risk' has yet to be announced. The changes themselves won’t take effect until they’ve moved through Parliament later this year.
New rules put focus on serious workplace risks
The updates will mean eligible small businesses can focus on essential safety, such as managing serious risks, appropriate training and protection, first aid and basic workplace welfare. For example, a small clothing shop would still need to provide first aid, emergency plans, and basic facilities, such as suitable lighting. However, it wouldn't need to have a psychosocial harm policy in place.
For small business owners, the changes are a welcome relief. Many so-called ‘tick box’ activities will be avoided. Instead, the primary purpose of the HSWA is to be “sharpened” to focus on critical risks. Nevertheless, vigilance remains as important as ever.
Unfortunately, New Zealanders are 60% more likely to be killed at work than workers in Australia, and 500% more likely than those in the United Kingdom. And the responsibility for this may soon land more heavily on business owners and managers than before.
Responsibilities will be sorted between directors and managers
The Government is clarifying which health and safety responsibilities sit with governance compared to management teams. Currently, boards are involved and primarily accountable for health and safety. The reforms will mean the day-to-day responsibilities sit with management teams while boards have strategic oversight.
These changes respond to feedback from businesses. Many business owners and company directors expressed uncertainty about their duties. As a result, there can be over-compliance and duplication of work between directors and operational managers.
Road cones get a warning
Reducing overcompliance is one of the objectives of the reforms, and it's not limited to the work between governance and operations. Road cones have come under scrutiny. WorkSafe is being directed to give guidance on road cone use and a hotline is proposed for the public to report the overzealous placement of road cones.
Health and safety is an international concern
In April, the UN has an awareness-raising campaign to help prevent workplace accidents. This year, it drew attention to the risks of new technology, such as nanotechnology, biotechnology and AI.
AI and digital tools are revolutionising occupational safety and health. The applications are vast; robots can operate in dangerous or toxic environments, alert us to hazards and take on repetitive tasks. At the same time, digital technology brings new risks we need to learn to manage.
Technology brings new risks
Human-robot interaction failures, exposure to noise and 'technostress' are potential problems that could come with increasing digitisation. The International Labour Organisation explains “technostress” as the stress caused by having to adapt to new computer technologies increasingly faster, and by the uncertainty surrounding AI systems as they constantly update. That’s relatable for many of us!
Constant monitoring and even intrusive surveillance can be built into many efficiency systems. Additionally, tasks may inadvertently reduce workers' sense of empowerment and satisfaction. These issues are not the focus of our Health and Safety legislation at the moment, but carving out space for small businesses may free up time to consider them.
Have the right support to guide you
Navigating health and safety rules can feel complex, but they are set to become simpler. A Business Mentor offers a practical sounding board. They can help you understand your responsibilities, cut through the jargon, and focus on the safety steps that matter most for your business, giving you peace of mind.
