New guidance released for upcoming HSWA changes

WorkSafe has released the first in a series of guidance products to help businesses prepare for upcoming changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA).

The new guidance focuses on two concepts that help shape the amendments, namely critical risk and the size of a business or organisation. These concepts will play an important role in determining how the amended legislation applies to different businesses when it comes into force on 1 April 2027.

The guidance outlines the difference between critical risk and other risk, how businesses can determine whether they are considered small or large under the Act, and the duties that apply to each. The guidance is now available on the WorkSafe website:

This is the first step in a broader programme of support for businesses. Over the coming months WorkSafe will continue releasing guidance, tools and educational resources to help businesses build their understanding of the amendments and prepare for the changes ahead.

Subscribe to our General health and safety updates and visit the WorkSafe website regularly to stay up to date as new guidance is added.