WorkSafe is seeking feedback on a proposal to revoke the existing forestry ACOPs (Approved code of practice for safety and health in forest operations, Approved code of practice for safety and health in forest operations: Roles and responsibilities of principals and contractors) and replace with a single new ACOP.
The proposed code of practice provides guidance for businesses that carry out forestry and harvesting operations.
It sets out WorkSafe’s expectations for carrying out forestry and harvesting operations in a healthy and safe way. It’s not law, but it does explain legal requirements and show good practice.
It is aimed at businesses, as they have the primary duty of care under the law. It outlines their responsibilities – but it can also be used by workers to understand what good practice looks like.
The consultation opens on Thursday 3 April and closes on Thursday 17 April 2025.
Consultation documents
For the draft code of practice and feedback form click here
Please note:
This draft does not necessarily present WorkSafe’s final position on the information contained within them.
The current approved codes of practice (Approved code of practice for safety and health in forest operations, Approved code of practice for safety and health in forest operations: Roles and responsibilities of principals and contractors) should still be referred to as WorkSafe’s primary guidance until otherwise announced. See the forestry section of our website.
Deadline for providing feedback
The deadline for receiving submissions is 5 pm on Thursday 17 April 2025.
Send your completed feedback form to: guidanceandeducationdevelopment@worksafe.govt.nz with the subject line: Forestry code of practice feedback
Next steps after consultation
The next steps once public consultation closes:
WorkSafe will collate and consider all feedback received.
A summary of the feedback received, and any changes made to the draft code of practice will be published on the website.
WorkSafe will then present the final draft code of practice and our proposal to revoke the existing ACOPs to the Minister for Workplace Relations for consideration.
If the Minister approves the revocation and replacement, notices will be gazetted. The new ACOP will come into force 28 days later. The existing ACOPs will then be revoked and the new ACOP published on WorkSafe’s website.
Privacy
The Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) allows New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, or anyone in New Zealand, to request official information from the government – including copies of submissions.
WorkSafe will let you know if we receive an OIA request for a copy of your submission. The content of your submission may be made available to the public, however you can indicate on the response form whether you would prefer your details to be kept confidential.
WorkSafe will manage any personal information you supply in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
If you have any questions about the guidance, or the consultation, please email GuidanceandEducationDevelopment@worksafe.govt.nz
