The Law Association of New Zealand

Health and Safety Law in Focus: Reform, Risk and Governance

The Health and Safety at Work Amendment reforms represent the most significant changes to New Zealand’s workplace health and safety framework since the introduction of HSWA. This webinar provides a practical examination of the key amendments taking effect from 1 April 2027, including the introduction of the critical risk framework, differentiated duties for small and large PCBUs, changes to Approved Codes of Practice, the interaction between HSWA and other regulatory regimes, and the clarification of officer due diligence obligations.

Our experienced panel will discuss the practical implications of these changes for businesses, directors, officers, and legal advisers, while also considering recent developments in health and safety litigation and enforcement, including a brief discussion of the High Court’s decision in Gibson v Maritime New Zealand. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the impact of the reforms on governance practices, risk management frameworks, compliance strategies, and future regulatory expectations.

Learning Outcomes

By attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the key amendments introduced by the Health and Safety at Work Amendment reforms and their significance for New Zealand's workplace health and safety framework.
  • Analyse the operation and practical implications of the new critical risk framework and its impact on health and safety management.
  • Distinguish between the differing health and safety duties applicable to small and large PCBUs under the amended legislation.
  • Understand the clarified scope of officers' due diligence obligations and the governance expectations placed on directors and senior leaders.


Who Should Attend?

This webinar will be of particular interest to lawyers advising on health and safety matters, employment law, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and risk management.


Presenters

Mike Cosman | Partner, Cosman Parkes Ltd
Tim Clarke | Barrister, Richmond Chambers
John Rooney | Partner, Simpson Grierson

Mike Cosman

Mike is one of New Zealand’s most highly regarded health and safety practitioners with over 45 years’ experience in operational, management, policy and strategic roles. With an extensive regulatory background in the UK and New Zealand and having worked as a consultant to many of the leading public and private sector organisations over the last 16 years, Mike is exceptionally placed to guide senior business leaders through the complex health and safety landscape.

fd4e1ffe-d078-f111-ab0f-6045bdc3fe82
Tim Clarke

Tim Clarke is an experienced litigator with a specialist focus on employment and workplace safety law. His practice spans advocacy in the courts of general jurisdiction (including appellate courts), the Employment Court and Employment Relations Authority, Human Rights Review Tribunal, mediation and workplace investigations. Doyles Guide 2023 ranks Tim as a leading workplace safety lawyer and a recommended employment lawyer.

a69abd3b-21e2-ed11-8847-00224893bd23
John Rooney

John specialises in employment law and health and safety. He advises top New Zealand companies on various employment law matters, including disciplinary hearings, labour disputes, contracts, termination packages, and reorganisations. In addition, he offers expertise in health and safety, assisting clients with compliance and incident management, defending against WorkSafe prosecutions, and providing governance advice. John's extensive experience extends to mediation and representing clients in courts. 

5e9abd3b-21e2-ed11-8847-00224893bd23

Details

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $120 plus GST
Non-Member: $170 plus GST




Busy schedule? No problem.
Our CPD webinars are recorded and available On Demand – offering the same CPD credit as attending live, with flexible access designed to fit your schedule. If you miss the livestream, don’t worry – you’ll receive access to the On Demand recording so you can catch up anytime. 

Click here to explore our extensive On Demand catalogue.


Registration

Registration Close Date

26/08/2026
Loading...