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You might have heard that the government is making some changes to the Health and Safety Work Act (HSWA). But what does that mean for your building company or trade business? 

The announcements this week are part of a broader reform, and we expect more decisions and updates over the coming months. So far, the announcements are focused on reducing compliance costs for low-risk industries. Here’s the key: the construction industry is still high-risk, and these health & safety changes won’t impact your core safety responsibilities.

What’s changing (and what’s not)

The government’s proposed changes are currently aimed at businesses that don’t face the same risks as the construction sector. For builders and tradies, the rules around working at heights, machinery operation, and handling hazardous materials remain unchanged. Your responsibility to keep your team safe stays the same.

Construction still has high injury and fatality rates. Right now, New Zealand workers are twice as likely to be killed on the job compared to Australian workers. These stats show there’s still a lot to be done to improve in the industry, which is why keeping safety a top priority on-site is so important. 

Do you still need expert help? 

While some industries may see relaxed regulations, health and safety in construction will always be complex. That’s where we come in. We’re on your side, helping you navigate through the changes and ensuring you stay compliant while keeping your workers safe—no matter what the government does next. Our advisory team is always available to chat about these changes, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.

What’s next?

Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden, has stated that these reforms are just the beginning. Legislation to amend the Health and Safety at Work Act is expected to be introduced by the end of the year, with the intention of passing it in early 2026. But for now, you don’t need to worry about major shifts affecting your business. The key rules—the ones that protect your team—will stay the same.

We’re here to help you stay ahead of these changes. If you have any questions or need advice on how these changes may impact you, reach out to our team. We’re always ready to assist in keeping your workers safe and your business running smoothly.