Is your manufacturing business ready for WorkSafe’s 2026 assessments?

WorkSafe New Zealand is continuing its focus on manufacturing, with inspectors having visited wood and food manufacturers across the country during 2026. Next year it will be metal workshops that are in focus so engineering and fabrication workshops are among those getting ready to welcome WorkSafe in.   

The focus is clear: manufacturing is one of New Zealand’s highest risk industries, and businesses need to show they are actively managing health and safety, not just ticking boxes. 

WorkSafe’s nationwide assessment programme is designed to help businesses improve. It’s not about enforcement first, it’s about engagement, guidance, and building safer workplaces.

Why the spotlight is on manufacturing 

Despite improvements in health and safety systems, serious injuries and work-related ill health are still too common in manufacturing. Machinery accidents, inadequate guarding, unsafe maintenance practices, and long-term exposure to hazardous substances continue to cause harm. 

Often harm comes from the gap between what is written and what happens on the shop floor. Risk assessments or SOPs exist, but controls are not always effective, consistently applied, or understood by workers. 

What the assessments will involve 

Businesses will be contacted in advance, with visits typically lasting about an hour. An assessment reviews how your business manages health and safety. WorkSafe inspectors talk with managers and workers to understand your operations, identify risks, and see how safety practices are applied. They also walk through the workplace to check that procedures, training, equipment, and protective measures are working in practice. Assessments focus on high-risk areas and worker involvement to make sure day-to-day practices match your safety plans. 

Inspectors will focus on practical risk management, including checking things like: 

• Machine guarding is suitable, in place, and not altered or removed.

• Dust and fume controls are effective, with capture, extraction, or ventilation where needed.

• Hazardous substances are stored, labelled, and managed properly.

• Workers are competent and can explain what safety means for them day-to-day.   

What you should be doing now 

WorkSafe’s focussed programme is an opportunity to review your current systems: 

• Are your critical risks clearly identified?

• Are controls like machine guards and isolation procedures actually followed?

• Do workers understand what health hazards they face and why controls matter? 

Simple, clear systems that workers understand are far more effective than complex paperwork that exists only for compliance. Review what is in place against what is happening and try to close that gap. Look for specialist advice around specific critical risk areas.   

Acting early can reduce injuries, avoid enforcement, strengthen your safety culture, and protect both people and business reputation. Beyond the obvious safety wins, there are flow-on benefits as well, from higher staff retention to fewer lost workdays. 

Need help or have questions?

If you’d like guidance on what WorkSafe assessments mean for you or to review your risk controls, reach out to us. We’re here to help make your workplace safer, more resilient, and fully prepared.