Worksafe NZ have advised that the 1995 regulations are under review and changes are proposed.

A brief summary is as follows:

• Modernise and build on the existing requirement to improve the management of risks from working with dangerous machinery parts, and the operation, cleaning and maintenance of machinery, tools and equipment e.g. guarding, installation, E stops

• Modernise and replace the current requirements for roll over protection and seatbelts

• Regulations expanded to cover steep slope forestry equipment, hoists and concrete placing

• New regulations to cover amusement devices and inflatables.

• Designers, suppliers, importers and manufacturers of plant and machinery to take steps to ensure that plant entering NZ is safer e.g. provide info, guarding meets minimum standards

• Working at height must apply Prescribed Risk Management Process, hierarchy of control and scaffold licensing will be modernised

• Excavation work must apply Prescribed Risk Management Process regardless of depth, underground services must be checked, excavation greater than 1.5m the existing controls remain as well as notifying Worksafe

• Offences in form of penalties and infringements will be reviewed and updated including “on the spot” fines of between $300 – $9000

To read more / download the full summary:

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/15569-health-and-safety-at-work-reform-pdf