New ACOP Launches to Improve Health and Safety on NZ Residential Construction Sites

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden today launched a new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) that outlines practical steps businesses and workers can take to meet their health and safety responsibilities on residential construction sites.

This ACOP will provide practical, sector-specific information to help clients, principal contractors, contractors, subcontractors and workers prepare for upcoming changes to health and safety law, and support better outcomes across New Zealand's residential construction sector, says Ms van Velden.

The new ACOP, Identifying health and safety roles and responsibilities on a residential construction site will come into effect on 1 April 2027, aligning with HSWA legislative amendments that come into effect from that date.

It was developed with input from the sector, designed to reflect the realities of construction on the ground. New Zealand Certified Builders Association are welcoming the launch of the ACOP.

This is a pragmatic outcome that supports safer workplaces while recognising the realities of running a small building business. We believe the ACOP strikes an appropriate balance between improving health and safety performance and ensuring compliance requirements remain practical, proportionate and achievable for the thousands of SME builders that make up the backbone of New Zealand's construction sector, says Malcolm Fleming, Chief Executive of New Zealand Certified Builders Association.

When builders and tradespeople, such as roofers and electricians, are working on the same site, the ACOP will help the lead contractor clarify who is responsible for key health and safety activities and coordinate the work so important tasks don’t get overlooked, says Ms van Velden.

After 1 April 2027, the ACOP may be granted safe harbour status, meaning that taking the actions in the ACOP could provide sufficient evidence that a business or worker has met the relevant legal duty. The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety would need to reapprove the ACOP following consultation for this to occur.

This ACOP is not about creating new duties. It is about making existing health and safety duties clearer so businesses understand who needs to do what, where responsibilities overlap, and how serious risks should be managed.

Construction remains one of New Zealand's highest-risk industries. Residential construction sites often involve multiple businesses and trades working at the same time, which can create uncertainty about responsibilities if roles are not clearly understood.

While following an ACOP is not mandatory, an ACOP sets a recognised standard for compliance. I expect this will provide greater clarity and certainty for the residential construction sector, particularly if the ACOP is later confirmed to provide safe harbour following the commencement of this Government's health and safety legislative changes.

Clear roles, good communication and effective coordination are critical to managing risks well. This ACOP helps businesses understand how to work together so that risks do not fall through the gaps.

WorkSafe will work with industry to support businesses to understand and apply the ACOP in their day-to-day work.

Note to Editors: The ACOP can be viewed on the WorkSafe website: Approved code of practice: Identifying health and safety roles and responsibilities on a residential construction site | WorkSafe.