My Role as a Worker

Did you know?

As a worker under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), you play a vital role in keeping your workplace safe and healthy, both for yourself and for those around you. Understanding your responsibilities under HSWA is key to staying compliant with health and safety laws and supporting a strong safety culture.

Here’s a practical overview of your role as a worker under HSWA 2015:

1. Follow Health and Safety Policies and Procedures

   • Make sure you understand your organisation’s health and safety policies, procedures and any relevant standards or legal requirements.
   • Stick to agreed safety practices, protocols and procedures while carrying out your work.

2. Take Part in Health and Safety Training

   • Attend health and safety training provided by your employer, i.e. training on workplace risks, controls, emergency procedures and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly.
   • If anything is unclear or you feel unsure, ask questions or request further training.

3. Spot and Report Hazards and Identify Risk

   • Keep an eye out for anything that could harm you or others, i.e. unsafe equipment, hazardous substances, poor work practices or environmental risks.
   • Report hazards, near misses, incidents or injuries as soon as you can to your manager or health and safety rep. Use whatever reporting system your workplace has in place.

4. Cooperate and Communicate

   • Work together with your employer and team to support a safe workplace and meet your legal obligations.
   • Speak up about safety issues and share ideas or suggestions for improving safety with your manager, health and safety rep or colleagues.

5. Use PPE Properly

   • Wear the PPE your employer provides when it’s needed, i.e. goggles, gloves, hearing protection, helmets, respirators or high-vis clothing.
   • Make sure you’re trained in how to use, look after and store PPE, and always wear it correctly when required.

6. Get Involved in Safety Committees

   • If there’s a health and safety committee or rep at your workplace, take part where you can, i.e. in meetings, discussions or safety initiatives.
   • Share your ideas and give feedback to help shape safety improvements and support a positive culture.

7. Be Ready for Emergencies

   • Know your emergency procedures, i.e. how to evacuate, where to assemble and what your role is in different scenarios.
   • Act quickly and safely in emergencies, follow procedures and support others, including responders, when needed.

By actively playing your part under HSWA 2015, you help create a work environment where people can do their jobs without being put at unnecessary risk. Your awareness, involvement and commitment to safety make a real difference, not just for compliance, but for the well-being of everyone around you.