WorkSafe New Zealand is set to undergo major changes as the Government shifts the agency’s focus from enforcement to guidance and support for businesses and workers, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced.
The move follows widespread concerns raised during public consultations about WorkSafe’s inconsistent practices, punitive culture, and lack of practical advice.
Van Velden said the reforms aim to create a more constructive and risk-based approach to workplace safety, where WorkSafe is seen as a partner rather than a threat. One of the first steps includes the launch of a new “road cone tipline” for reporting over-compliance in temporary traffic management. This will be part of a broader engagement initiative with NZTA and industry stakeholders to promote practical safety practices.
In addition, WorkSafe has already removed 50 outdated guidance documents from its website, with more to follow, ensuring clearer and more relevant advice. A restructuring of WorkSafe’s funding model will take place later this year, dividing it into four categories—practice support, compliance enforcement, activity monitoring, and energy safety—intended to improve transparency and performance evaluation.
The reforms are formalised in a new Letter of Expectations sent to WorkSafe, with van Velden expressing gratitude to the agency’s leadership for their commitment to change. The public will also be invited to provide feedback on WorkSafe’s performance to drive ongoing improvements.
Great news to limit the ‘health & safety’ tyranny and rort.
Cut down on the H&S paperwork please.
This really shows yet again, how hated, distrusted, government and its institutions, have become. Petty bureaucrats, doing anything but the job they should be.
Yes many are unsuccessful in their line of work and end up lording it over subbies with an iron fist, unfairly
Great could have done with this a month back when the road mafia safety police had stopped at least 50 vehicles and building with orange flashing lights, no stop signs and parked in the middle of the road for one of them to erect temporary traffic lights on the side of the road in a 30km/hr zone, it really has gone to far.