Who’s Responsible for Health and Safety at Work?

When we talk about health and safety at work, it can sound like something out of a training manual. But in reality, it’s about people. It’s about making sure everyone feels safe, supported, and confident doing their job. So, who’s responsible for that? The honest answer is everyone. But the role each person plays is a little different.

By Kate Wilson, Clinical Lead / Occupational Health Nurse, Habit Health

What employers are responsible for?

In New Zealand, employers carry the main responsibility for creating a safe and healthy workplace. The law calls this group the PCBU, or Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking.

This means taking reasonable steps to:

• Identify risks before they become a problem
• Provide proper gear and training
• Offer health checks where needed
• Make sure workers are informed and involved
• Put clear safety systems in place

The goal is to prevent harm rather than just respond after something goes wrong.

The role of leaders and team managers

Good health and safety culture starts with leadership. Team leads and supervisors are often the first to notice when someone’s not feeling right or something isn’t working as it should.

You don’t need to be a safety expert. But being consistent, approachable, and encouraging your team to speak up makes a huge difference.

How workers contribute

Health and safety only works when everyone gets involved. Every worker plays a role in keeping the environment safe and taking care of their own health and safety, including: 

•  Following processes and using equipment properly 
• Wearing protective gear when needed Letting someone know if something doesn’t feel right 
• Reporting near misses, hazards, or injuries early.

Even small things like a tight shoulder or dizziness at work matter. Speaking up early is one of the best ways to prevent bigger issues later on.

How Occupational Health supports the whole team

At Habit Health, we work alongside businesses to make health and safety practical and people-focused. 

That might look like: 

•  Pre-employment checks to see if a new hire is fit for the job 
•  Ongoing health monitoring for roles with noise, dust, heavy lifting, or shift work 
•  Education sessions on fatigue, posture, or sun safety 
•  Return-to-work planning that supports people coming back safely after illness or injury 

 We’re not here to create more paperwork. We’re here to help people feel good, stay safe, and keep doing the work they enjoy.

Final thoughts

Creating a safe workplace doesn’t rest on one person’s shoulders. It works best when employers, leaders, workers, and health professionals are all doing their part.

When that happens, you don’t just see fewer injuries. You see better morale, more trust, and teams that know they’re being looked after.

Create a healthier, safer workplace. Enquire about occupational health services with the team at Habit Health.