HFESNZ Position Statement: HSWA Amendment Bill
HFESNZ has real concerns about the proposed shift to focusing only on “critical risks” in the Health and Safety at Work Act Amendment Bill.
Yes, critical risks matter — but narrowing the focus risks sidelining everyday harms like musculoskeletal and psychosocial risks, which continue to cause significant injury and cost across many sectors. Good work and job design, informed by human factors and ergonomics, is essential to prevention.
We’re also worried about the impact on SMEs, who already face higher risk with fewer resources. Asking them to focus only on critical risks won’t reduce harm without better support and a more balanced, prevention-led approach.