Health and Safety
Welcome to the Health and Safety in Employment (HSE) Unit of the CAA.
On 5 May 2003 the Civil Aviation Authority was designated to administer the provisions of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 in respect of the aviation sector, specifically for aircraft while in operation.
The HSE Unit of the CAA has been established to fulfill that function. For further information about the designation and the CAA HSE approach to HSE compliance, see our background page.
The fundamental principle of the HSE Act is to promote the prevention of harm to people at work and other people in, or in the vicinity of, a place of work, by imposing various duties and requirements on employers, employees, self-employed people, and principals.
Contacting the CAA HSE Unit
If you have an HSE problem or issue that you think falls within the CAA's designated area then you should:
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In the first instance, address it with your colleagues or representatives, and then your employer, in an attempt to get the issue resolved in the best way. The HSE Act is quite specific with respect to the responsibilities of all parties.
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If your in-house action does not result in a fix for the problem or deal with the issue, then contact the HSE Unit in the CAA.
You have the right to contact the CAA HSE Unit at anytime regarding any HSE issues that fall within the CAA's designation.
Tel: +64 4 560 9400
Email: hsu@caa.govt.nz
Fax: +64 4 569 2024
Post: PO Box 3555, Wellington 6140
Reporting HSE Accidents, Incidents, and Notifiable Occupational Disease
Call or email the Health and Safety Unit using the contact phone or fax numbers or email address above.
Report an HSE Incident or Accident
Report a Notifiable Occupational Disease
(The pages above have links to the appropriate forms.)
To report an accident or serious incident phone:
0508 ACCIDENT (0508 222 433)
Monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To report other safety or security concerns phone:
0508 4SAFETY (0508 472 338)
Available office hours (voice mail after hours).
To report other safety or security concerns email: info@caa.govt.nz
CAA HSE Operational Policy and Memorandum of Understanding
- CAA HSE Operational Policy
- The Memorandum of Understanding below covers the Health and Safety in Employment Act, and the Hazardous Substances and New Oganisms Act. It is an umbrella document which is supported by operational agreements or schedules, which are currently being developed or updated.
- Memorandum of Understanding between the CAA and the Department of Labour
- Memorandum of Understanding Operational Agreement
Guidelines - Quick Links
Cabin Crew and Tech Crew
Occupational Health and Safety for Cabin Crew and Flight Crew (841 Kb)
Topdressing Industry
Safety Guideline: Farm Airstrips and Associated Fertiliser Cartage,
Storage and Application
[1 Mb]
For a free printed copy of the Safety Guideline, email hsu@caa.govt.nz
HSE Information and Guidance
HSE Information and Guidance - This page contains all the information below, and more.
Drug and Alcohol Programme and Management
These links will take you directly to sections in the HSE Information and Guidance page:
- Guideline for Agricultural Aviation
- Guideline for Cabin and Tech Crews
- Information to help you build your Health and Safety system: sample manual, hazard register, Hazard Management booklet (guidance on the process of identification, assessment, and controlling of hazards), and HSE audit standards.
- Info Sheets - these give guidance on health and safety duties.
- Undertaking investigations for accidents and incidents
These links will take you directly to external web sites:
Other Information and Links
- CAA-HSE Designation - Background
- ACC
- Workinfo - a web site giving information about the Health and Safety in Employment (HSE) Act
- Safety Net - Health and Safety web site of the Department of Labour, New Zealand
- Fatigue Risk Management Project
- Employer be aware - article from Safeguard magazine Sep/Oct 2010 (688 Kb)
Workplace Health and Safety Strategy for New Zealand to 2015
The Workplace Health and Safety Strategy for New Zealand to 2015 (WHSS) was launched by Associate Labour Minister Ruth Dyson on 22 June 2005. The strategy provides a framework for achieving safer and healthier workplaces to the year 2015. The Minister also launched the first Action Plan for 2005/2006, and announced the establishment of a new ministerial advisory group.
"By providing a common vision, and supporting it with an ambitious Action Plan, the strategy enables New Zealand to save lives and protect the health of workers. It will contribute to New Zealand's economic success by keeping workers productive and on the job. It will also help improve workplace cultures where attitudes often dictate employee behaviour about health and safety," Ruth Dyson said.
The strategy, aimed at reducing the number of work related deaths, injury and disease, provides a framework for the workplace health and safety activities of government agencies, local government, unions, employer and industry organisations, other non-government organisations, and workplaces.
If you wish to view the strategy, you can do so by this link, www.whss.govt.nz.

