10. Health and Safety - Compliance Without the Headaches

Simple steps to keep your workplace safe and legally compliant.

Imagine this -  One of your employees slips on a wet floor in the staff area and injures their back. They take weeks off work, file an ACC claim, and now you’re facing an investigation because there was no sign warning of the hazard. You assumed health and safety was just a “big business” issue, but now your SME is caught up in legal and financial stress.

This is a situation many small business owners in New Zealand face. Unlike large corporations with dedicated health and safety managers, SMEs often see compliance as too complex, expensive, or time-consuming. But failing to meet regulations can result in -

• Expensive fines – Non-compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 can lead to penalties of up to $3 million for businesses.

• Legal consequences – Business owners can be held personally liable for workplace accidents.

• Reputational damage – Employees and customers lose trust in businesses with poor safety records.

Many SME owners assume health and safety is about hard hats and high-vis vests, but it applies to every workplace—including offices, retail stores, and hospitality venues. A proactive approach to health and safety not only protects your team but also strengthens your business.

The Solution – Practical, Compliant, and Cost-Effective Safety Measures

Health and safety compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, SMEs can create a safe workplace without excessive cost or complexity.

Here’s how to navigate NZ’s health and safety regulations effectively -

1. Understand Your Legal Responsibilities

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) places a duty of care on business owners (or PCBUs – Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking). This means -

• You must ensure the health and safety of workers, customers, and visitors.

• You must identify and manage risks in the workplace.

• You must provide training and protective equipment where necessary.

Ignoring these responsibilities can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.

2. Identify and Minimise Workplace Risks

Every business has unique risks, whether it’s slips and falls in a café, stress and burnout in an office, or machinery hazards in a workshop. To manage risks -

• Conduct a workplace safety audit – Identify hazards specific to your industry.

• Use the “Eliminate or Minimise” approach – If a risk can’t be removed, put controls in place (e.g., safety equipment, warning signs).

• Keep an incident register – Recording accidents and near-misses helps prevent future issues.

A simple risk assessment checklist can go a long way in keeping your business compliant.

3. Train Employees in Health and Safety

Employees play a huge role in keeping workplaces safe. Ensure they are trained on -

• How to identify and report hazards (e.g., faulty equipment, unsafe working conditions).

• Emergency procedures (fire drills, earthquake safety, first aid).

• Safe work practices (e.g., lifting techniques, handling chemicals, stress management).

Regular health and safety meetings ensure that safety remains a priority, not an afterthought.

4. Have the Right Policies and Procedures in Place

Good safety policies don’t have to be complex. At a minimum, SMEs should have -

• A Health and Safety Policy outlining workplace safety expectations.

• A Hazard and Risk Management Plan for dealing with common workplace risks.

• A First Aid and Emergency Response Plan so employees know what to do in a crisis.

These policies should be easily accessible to all employees.

5. Use Free and Low-Cost Safety Resources

Many SMEs worry that health and safety compliance will be too expensive, but there are plenty of free resources available -

• WorkSafe NZ (www.worksafe.govt.nz) provides free guidelines, risk assessment templates, and legal updates.

• ACC Workplace Injury Prevention offers funding and support for businesses to improve safety.

• Industry Associations often provide specific safety training and resources for their members.

By leveraging these tools, SMEs can stay compliant without unnecessary costs.

Reflective Scenario – What Would You Do?

You run a small workshop, and one of your employees has raised concerns about the lack of proper ventilation when using certain chemicals. You hadn’t considered it a major issue before, but they’ve started experiencing headaches at work.

Using the strategies above, you might -

• Conduct a risk assessment to determine if the ventilation is sufficient.

• Consult WorkSafe NZ guidelines to check if additional safety measures are needed.

• Provide protective equipment (e.g., masks, gloves) and improve air circulation.

By proactively addressing concerns, you not only protect your employees but also prevent potential legal and health issues down the line.

Golden Nugget - "A safe workplace isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes—it’s about protecting your people and your business."

Health and safety regulations can seem overwhelming, but taking small, practical steps can create a safer, more productive workplace. The key? Be proactive, keep it simple, and involve your team in the process.