Site Safety

The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) reform bill introduces tailored duties based on business size and places a stronger focus on managing critical risks. While passed in July 2026, the changes take effect on 1 April 2027, giving businesses time to prepare without immediate regulatory shifts.

Managing critical risk and controls requires identifying hazards with high-severity outcomes and implementing crucial safeguards that prevent fatalities or life-changing injuries. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA), New Zealand businesses must systematically identify, apply, and verify these controls to ensure real-time worker protection and regulatory compliance.

To get a Tōtika accreditation, New Zealand contractors must register on the Tōtika portal, select their supplier category based on risk and FTE headcount, choose an approved member scheme or cross-recognition pathway (such as ISO 45001 or SafePlus), and submit verified health and safety evidence for independent assessment.

Discover how to get SiteWise accreditation in NZ. Learn how health and safety management software simplifies annual prequalification and audit tracking.