What is adverse, coercive or misleading conduct?

We are developing guidance for people who might be treated badly because of the steps they have taken to maintain health and safety in their workplace. We are asking for feedback on the draft guidance we have developed. Consultation closes at 5 pm on 30 September.

Overview

A person or a business cannot discriminate or take other negative steps against you because of your involvement in work health and safety. No one is allowed to pressure or mislead people around their roles, powers or entitlements under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA).

To use the legal language, HSWA forbids adverse, coercive or misleading conduct for a prohibited health and safety reason. It does this to support you taking reasonable steps to protect your own health and safety and that of other workers.

This protection applies to every worker, and is especially important for elected health and safety representatives (HSRs).

Consultation details

The consultation ran from 2 to 30 September 2024. The consultation period is now closed and we can accept no further submissions. If you have any questions about this consultation you can contact Maritime New Zealand.

Email: consultations@maritimenz.govt.nz