HRNZ is launching a virtual national network designed specifically for Human Resource (HR) professionals navigating the complex intersection between people, performance, and workplace safety. While health and safety (H&S) may not be your core function, it remains deeply intertwined with key HR accountabilities - from wellbeing and engagement to organisational risk, culture, and leadership. This network will focus on practical, HR-relevant approaches to managing safety that support compliance, reduce harm, and strengthen organisational culture.
We began by surveying our members to understand how involved they are in health and safety, and where they feel further support is needed. The results are shaping our 12-month plan for the network - ensuring it reflects real-world pressures, not just regulatory ideals.
What We Learned
Respondents reported varied levels of responsibility for health and safety:
- 37% held primary responsibility
- 58% had a supporting or contributory role
It’s no surprise that many HR practitioners wear multiple hats — often managing safety on top of recruitment, ER, learning, and strategy. So, it’s understandable that 67% felt only somewhat confident in their knowledge of legislative H&S obligations.
With ongoing regulatory change – including reforms across Human Resources and Health & Safety, staying current can feel daunting. But confidence in managing risk is crucial, especially as expectations around psychosocial risk continue to rise.
Where HR Needs Support
Top areas identified for professional development included:
- Hazard identification and risk assessment (most selected)
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Incident reporting and investigation
Importantly, the growing intersection between psychosocial risk and safety regulation was acknowledged as a priority area needing both clarity and capability uplift.
What’s Getting in the Way
Two key barriers were consistently raised:
- Lack of time
- Limited resources
This reflects the reality for many HR professionals, especially in SMEs, who are expected to deliver on broad, complex remits with lean support structures.
Why This Matters
Every year, around 70 people die from work-related incidents in Aotearoa, 600-900 from work related illness, and 5,000–6,000 more are hospitalised. Despite regulatory reforms, our incident and fatality rates remain high compared to Australia and the UK. The estimated cost of work-related harm in 2023 was $4.9 billion - and nearly half of New Zealanders were directly or indirectly affected.
Safety isn’t just a compliance issue - it’s a workforce and wellbeing issue. And HR is uniquely placed to influence how safety is understood, prioritised, and practiced in everyday operations.
Our Commitment
HRNZ is committed to supporting our members with accessible, practical, and HR-focused safety knowledge. Our new virtual national network is about building confidence, not complexity - helping you understand your responsibilities, influence your leaders, and support your people in a way that aligns with your role and resourcing.
Together, we can grow a strong, people-first approach to safety that supports resilience, engagement, and performance - and ensures HR isn’t just part of the conversation, but actively shaping it.