Health and safety organisations

The organisations below provide more detailed information about various aspects of health, safety and wellbeing.

Government safety and health agencies of New Zealand

Auckland Council

If you are planning an event or activity you may require permits from the local authority and to submit a health and safety plan.

ACC

The agency administers the Accident Compensation Act. They also handle and manage all work or non work related accidents. If you have questions on compensation entitlements, coverage or injury prevention at work or at home this is a very comprehensive site.

Civil Aviation Authority

Everything to do with aircraft safety and flight rules.

Ministry of Education

All things about education. From a safety perspective they have guidelines on safety protocols for school activities to pandemic preparedness.

Energy Safety Service, Worksafe NZ

This agency administers the Electricity Act & Gas Act. If you have a query regarding electrical or gas safety this site will assist in telling you the requirements for compliance.
An ideal site for electricians or electrical technicians as well as Facilities Managers.

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

EPA administers the Hazardous Substances & New Organism Act. This is a complex and comprehensive piece of legislation which covers the life-cycle of chemicals, explosive to genetic. It is a good site if you want to know about the make up of various chemicals and how to protect yourself from them.

Food Safety, Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI)

MPI administers legislation regarding all matters of food safety from ingredients to how it is handled and made, to how it is stored. It is a good site for those interested in food technology or those operating cafes or restaurants regarding food safety compliance.

Worksafe (formerly the Department of Labour)

The key agency that administers and enforces the Health and Safety at Work Act. It produces codes of practice and workplace health and safety guidelines.
There are many free resources and important information for all sorts of workplaces to enable them to comply with the law and keep workers safe.

Ministry of Environment

New Zealand government agency that devises guidelines and policy to protect the New Zealand environment. This includes information about contaminated sites and air quality.

Government New Zealand

This website gives you the legislation and statues of New Zealand.

Ministry of Health

This agency develops and implements Health Strategies for New Zealand. Many resources covering smoke-free legislation to infectious diseases to community health, drugs and medicines requirements.

NZ Transport Agency

The NZ Transport Agency was established on 1 August 2008, bringing together the functions of Transit NZ and Land Transport NZ to provide an integrated approach to transport planning, funding and delivery.

Maritime New Zealand

The agency administers and enforces Maritime Rules and the Health & Safety at Work Act, maritime search and rescue, and boat surveys. If you need to know anything about boat, kayak or canoe safety this is a good site to check out.

National Radiation Laboratory/National Centre for Radiation Science

In 2011, the National Radiation Laboratory was transferred from the Ministry of Health to ESR, with the exception of its regulatory function which still continues to be provided by the Ministry of Health through the Office of Radiation Safety.

Office of Radiation Safety (Ministry of Health)

The Office of Radiation Safety’s primary role is as the regulatory body administering the Radiation Protection Act 1965 and Radiation Protection Regulations 1982. This involves a wide range of regulatory activities including licensing, issuing consents and maintenance of codes of safe practice.

Emergency services

New Zealand Fire Service

Good site if you wish to know about fire prevention and evacuation requirements. Learn about the how fires evolve and can kill, and how to survive.

New Zealand Police

Learn all about crime prevention and safety including, traffic safety.

St John Ambulance Service

The life savers and first responders to emergency medical and injury situations. Find out more about the St John, what they do, and how you can save a life by booking and attending a first aid course.

Ministry of Civil Defence

Find out how to survive during a large scale disaster when you could be on your own, or without help.

MEDSAFE New Zealand

This site provides information on the regulation of medicines and medical devices in NZ and the safe use of medicines.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service

Promotes advice on public health, disease control, food safety and healthy living.

Nursing Council of New Zealand

As the statutory authority, the Nursing Council of New Zealand governs the practice of nurses.
The Council's primary concern is public safety. The Council sets and monitors standards in the interests of the public and the profession.

  • Nursing Council of New Zealand

Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand

Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to providing quality services to all Deaf people in New Zealand.

New Zealand Resuscitation Council

The New Zealand Resuscitation Council is the guideline and standard setting body for resuscitation in New Zealand.

Health Education

The New Zealand Ministry of Health Manatu Hauora makes health education resources available to the public, including health professionals, to promote a better understanding of public health, and of preventive measures that contribute to maintaining public health and wellbeing.

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

One of the ways the Foundation supports individuals and communities is through providing access to quality information and resources on mental health and wellbeing.

The Foundation encourages people to make informed choices and decisions about their mental health in ways that enhance their quality of life.

Smokefree Law in New Zealand

Ministry of Health website regarding Smokefree Legislation in New Zealand.

World Health Organisation

WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US)

Information on all health related matters, infection control, disease management, and pandemic planning.

Waitemata DHB Hyperbaric Unit

The Waitemata DHB facility treats decompression sickness for divers.

  • Waitemata DHB slark hyberbaric unit page on the Health Point

National Poisons Centre

Advice and information on poison prevention and what to do if someone has been poisoned.

TOXINZ

The database of toxins contains some 88,000 listed chemical products, pharmaceuticals, plants and hazardous creatures and is rapidly expanding to accommodate more.

New Zealand Dermatological Society

Authoritative facts about the skin from the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Be sure to read their disclaimer.

Overseas safety agencies

Handy safety sites

Gas/cylinder safety

Outdoor, water and event management safety

Document Control
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: Dec 2019
Next Review: Dec 2022
Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing

Related links