Health and safety

There are significant health and safety responsibilities and liabilities across many levels of an organisation. We work with clients to ensure they are aware of these responsibilities so they can understand and fully comply with their obligations.

We focus on understanding clients' needs and circumstances, to advise on the best approach for their organisations. Our advice is proactive, reflects current best practice, and is tailored for the clients’ industry and business.

Our team provides a full range of services, from strategic advice to directors on health and safety legislation, through to workplace compliance, managing health and safety obligations in contracts and supply chain management, and managing investigations and prosecutions.

We have expertise in responding to accidents and serious harm incidents. We assist to manage risks, liaise with WorkSafe, and represent clients in criminal prosecutions. Our strength is providing consistent advice to guide clients throughout the legal process, often at a challenging time.

Health and safety obligations

Advising numerous major clients on their health and safety obligations, including Air New Zealand, Woolworths, Wellington City Council, IAG, Contact Energy, Genesis Energy and Ryman Healthcare.

Whakaari/White Island

Advising Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust, as intervener, in the successful appeal against the conviction of Whakaari Management Limited following the fatal eruption of Whakaari/White Island.

Health and safety obligations

Advising clients on their health and safety obligations, including in relation to directors' due diligence duties, management of asbestos in the workplace, overlapping duties with other "persons conducting a business or undertaking", and other general health and safety obligations.

Managing health and safety obligations in contracts

Advising clients on appropriate health and safety provisions to include in contracts, including where there are multiple parties and complex supply chain arrangements.

Earthquake related issues

Advising clients on their health and safety obligations in relation to earthquake-prone buildings, including advising on programmes to identify and strengthen buildings.

Workplace incidents and WorkSafe investigations and prosecutions

Representing clients, and advising on all aspects of, workplace fatalities and serious harm incidents, and defending prosecutions and appearing as counsel at sentencing hearings.

Presenting on health and safety

Presenting at industry related conferences and seminars, and providing a wide variety of health and safety training to clients and their boards, including on officer due diligence duties, contractor safety management, managing health and safety investigations, and health and safety developments.