Health and safety responsibilities for schools

Boards are considered 'persons conducting a business or undertaking' (PCBU) under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. PCBUs are responsible for the health and safety of workers, visitors and ākonga | students at their school.

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 – New Zealand Legislation

Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa | WorkSafe explains the primary responsibilities of PCBUs under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Managing health and safety – WorkSafe

WorkSafe also answers some frequently asked questions about health and safety responsibilities at school.

School frequently asked questions – WorkSafe

How to maintain a healthy and safe school

In a school, a culture of health and safety is everyone's responsibility.

Boards are legally responsible for meeting the requirements in the Act and related regulations.

Boards must do this by developing, monitoring and reviewing health and safety policies and practices. You can use our health and safety policy example to create your own.

Use our checklists to make sure health and safety policies are in place. Everyone at your school must understand health and safety risks they may be exposed to, and what they should do.

Manage risk

The board must manage and minimise any risks to the health and safety of students, staff and visitors to their school. This is required under section 30 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Use these checklists to assess risks and hazards at your school.

WorkSafe visits

WorkSafe may visit your school to do normal workplace health and safety inspections.

Workplace inspections – WorkSafe