Managing Health and Safety: A guide for employers
Introduction
Working environments that are as safe and healthy as possible are a significant part of a successful employment relationship and contribute to a successful business.
As an employer, you need to work with your employees to identify hazards and manage them.
Every workplace is different. New Zealand’s legislation recognises this by providing a framework for employers (with the help of employees) to address health and safety in the way that is most appropriate for each workplace.
Creating a safe and healthy workplace is a basic part of the relationship between you and your employees.
Two laws support this relationship:
- The Employment Relations Act 2000 promotes good faith relationships among you, your employees and unions.
- The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (the Act) builds on this and requires you and others in the workplace to control hazards so that people are not harmed as a result of work.
This guide aims to answer your questions about New Zealand’s health and safety legislation and your responsibilities, and explains how to deal with questions and issues.
Further information or assistance is available through the Department of Labour, www.dol.govt.nz or 0800 20 90 20.
