Understanding Obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (NZ). 

Osteopaths should Know?

Responsibilities Under the Act:

• PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking): Every clinic owner/operator is a PCBU and must ensure the health and safety of workers and patients so far as is reasonably practicable.

• Workers' Duty: All team members must take reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety.

• Engagement: Engage with workers on health and safety matters.

• Training: Provide appropriate training, supervision, and information to staff.
  
  

Risk Management Steps:

1. Identify hazards in your practice (physical, psychological, environmental). See an example here*.

2. Assess risks associated with each hazard.

3. Control risks with appropriate measures.

4. Review controls regularly to ensure effectiveness.

Other Useful Documents:

• Emergency evacuation plans

• Accident and near-miss register. See an example here*.

• Health and Safety Policy

• First aid register

• Staff induction checklist

• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) checklist (if applicable)

Working Alone Policies:

Working late or alone is common in practice—this must be mitigated with:

• Check-in systems

• Locked doors after hours

• Avoiding booking high-risk clients alone

Reporting Requirements:

Serious incidents (notifiable events) must be reported to WorkSafe NZ immediately and followed up with a written report within 7 days.

 

*NOTE we have provided examples above and ONZ takes no responsibility for their current accuracy in line with evolving NZ employment law.