Workplace Health and Safety Advice.

Why Health and Safety Advice Matters

Health and safety is about more than compliance. It protects your people, your organisation, and your ability to deliver on your public purpose.

For public sector bodies, the expectations are even higher. The Health and Safety at Work Act requires strong governance, clear accountability, and systems that prevent harm before it happens. Getting expert legal advice early helps you meet those duties, reduce risk, and demonstrate leadership and care when it matters most.

Whether you are updating policies, managing contractors, or responding to a workplace incident, we help you stay compliant, confident, and ready to act.

What We Help With

We provide focused, practical advice on:

• Governance duties and legal obligations for boards and officers

• Roles and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act

• Contractor management and health and safety obligations in procurement

• Drafting and reviewing internal policies and procedures

• Supporting leaders after workplace incidents or WorkSafe notifications

• Managing investigations, enforcement notices, and regulatory engagement

• Communication strategies with staff and stakeholders during and after incidents

We help organisations prevent problems, respond effectively, and protect both people and reputation.

Sector Expertise

We work closely with government agencies, Crown entities, and publicly funded organisations. As a provider on the All of Government legal services panel, we understand how public processes and accountability requirements shape health and safety decisions.

Our team is experienced in:

• Navigating internal approval and reporting processes

• Balancing transparency with confidentiality and public trust

• Linking health and safety obligations with employment, privacy, and operational law

• Turning complex requirements into practical actions

You can rely on us for advice that is legally sound, realistic, and defensible.

How We Work

We act quickly and clearly. Whether you need day-to-day support or help after an incident, we will:

• Explain your obligations in plain language

• Provide tailored, workable solutions

• Support you through reviews, investigations, and enforcement action

• Work alongside your internal legal or health and safety teams

• Strengthen your organisation’s culture of accountability and care

Our goal is to give you confidence in every decision.

Where We Work

Our workplace health and safety specialists are based in Wellington and advise clients across New Zealand. We also provide local support through our Lower Hutt and Masterton offices. Our Wellington team includes lawyers with extensive experience in public sector law and workplace health and safety. Together, they bring a deep understanding of how government structures, accountability frameworks, and operational realities intersect with legal obligations.

Many of our clients choose to meet with us online, which allows us to respond quickly wherever you are. Whether you are a central agency, Crown entity, or publicly funded organisation, you will work directly with lawyers who understand the pressures, expectations, and culture of the public sector.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Health and Safety Law

Have the health and safety laws changed in 2025?

Reform is underway. The Government has announced updates to clarify governance and operational duties, simplify rules for small and low-risk businesses, and refocus enforcement on critical risks that can lead to serious harm. These proposals have not all been enacted yet. We track each stage closely so you can prepare your policies and governance systems before changes take effect.

Can senior managers or board members be personally liable for safety failures?

Yes. Under the current Health and Safety at Work Act, officers must take active steps to meet their due-diligence duties. This includes understanding workplace risks, ensuring resources are available to manage them, and verifying that safety systems are effective. We help boards and executives document and demonstrate compliance in practice.

What should we do if WorkSafe contacts us or visits a site?

Seek legal guidance immediately. Your first response can influence how the process unfolds. We help you manage communications with WorkSafe, preserve privilege, and ensure any statements or documents are accurate and appropriate.

Does hiring contractors reduce our legal responsibility?

No. Even when contractors are engaged, you remain responsible for managing overlapping duties and ensuring health and safety systems are coordinated. We review your procurement and contract terms to clarify roles and reduce exposure.

How often should we review our health and safety systems?

At least annually, and whenever your organisation experiences an incident, restructure, or legislative change. Regular reviews keep your systems effective and aligned with current law. We can help design practical audits and updates that reflect how your organisation operates.