Dec 9, 2025
Health monitoring & the law – what you need to know (and why it matters)
Many clients ask us: “Are health checks actually required by law?”
The short answer is yes – in certain situations, and understanding when they apply can save businesses a lot of stress down the track.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, employers (PCBU’s) have a legal duty to ensure workers are not put at risk from health hazards at work. Where workers are exposed to hazards that could cause long-term or serious health effects, health monitoring (health checks) is not optional – it’s part of meeting your legal obligations.
Who is required to provide health checks?
Health monitoring is required when workers are exposed to risks such as:
- Noise (risk of hearing loss)
- Respiratory hazards (dusts, fumes, vapours, chemicals)
- Hazardous substances
- Vibration
- Tasks that place strain on the body over time
If a risk assessment shows that exposure cannot be completely eliminated, health monitoring must be provided to help detect early signs of work-related harm.
What about contractors?
This often surprises people 👀
If you engage contractors, you still have duties.
Both the business engaging the contractor and the contractor themselves have responsibilities to ensure health and safety is managed.
That means:
- Contractors may need health checks before starting work
- Ongoing health monitoring may be required depending on exposure
- Businesses should ensure contractor health checks are current and appropriate for the work being done
Simply assuming a contractor “has it covered” can leave gaps in compliance.
Why proactive health checks make good business sense
Beyond legal compliance, health checks:
- Help identify issues early, before they become serious
- Reduce lost time, claims, and long-term costs
- Demonstrate due diligence if WorkSafe ever asks questions
- Show your workers and contractors that their health genuinely matters
We make it easy
We work with businesses to:
- Identify who actually needs health checks (and who doesn’t)
- Ensure checks are fit-for-purpose and legally compliant
- Keep documentation clear, confidential, and audit-ready
If you’re unsure whether your business or contractors require health monitoring, a quick conversation can bring real peace of mind.
Our occupational health nurse works under a non-commercial, compliant model, selecting only health checks that are legally required and clinically justified. No unnecessary testing—just ethical, fit-for-purpose monitoring that meets your obligations and protects your people.
Contact us today to get your Occupational Health Checks sorted.
📞 0800 489 5669 | ✉️ itw@itw.org.nz
Industry Training Works — keeping New Zealand’s workforce safe, skilled, and healthy.
Nov 17, 2025
Make the Most of Your Team’s Time On Site
At Industry Training Works, we know how hard it can be to pull staff off the job for training and organise separate occupational health checks. That’s why we’ve expanded our service capability to make things simpler, faster, and more cost-effective for your business.
Training + Health Checks in One Visit
Your workers can now complete their Occupational Health Checks before or after their scheduled training—all in the same location, on the same day. This means:
-
Less disruption to your operations
-
Reduced downtime for your workers
-
Streamlined compliance with health and safety requirements
-
Fewer travel costs and no need to schedule multiple appointments
Whether your staff are attending First Aid, Forklift Training, Confined Space, or any of our specialist industry courses, our nurses can complete their checks while they’re already on site.
Make the Most of Their Downtime
While your team is waiting for their turn in practical assessments, working through course modules, or wrapping up at the end of the session, we can carry out:
This integrated approach means your people spend less time off the tools and you get everything sorted in one smooth, efficient visit.
Perfect for High-Risk Industries
Construction, civil, transport, warehousing, manufacturing, and other high-risk sectors often require regular health monitoring. Bundling training and health checks helps you stay ahead of compliance requirements without sacrificing productivity.
Book Your Combined Training + Health Check Session
If you’d like to take advantage of this convenient service, just let us know when you’re booking your training—or ask us to recommend the best way to structure your day.
We’re here to make compliance easy, efficient, and stress-free.
Contact us today to bundle your training and Occupational Health Checks in a single visit.
📞 0800 489 5669 | ✉️ itw@itw.org.nz
Industry Training Works — keeping New Zealand’s workforce safe, skilled, and healthy.
Nov 12, 2025
🌲Forestry Regulations Updated: Occupational Health Checks and First Aid Now a Priority
Recent updates to New Zealand forestry regulations have reinforced the importance of occupational health checks and First Aid training for forestry workers. These changes are designed to ensure that workers in this high-risk industry are better protected, equipped, and prepared for emergencies.
At Industry Training Works, we are fully aligned with these regulatory changes and offer tailored services to help forestry businesses stay compliant and safeguard their teams.
What’s New
The updated forestry regulations emphasize:
-
Mandatory First Aid training for onsite workers
-
Regular occupational health checks to monitor worker fitness, manage risks, and identify early signs of work-related health issues
-
Clear documentation and reporting requirements for both health and safety practices
These updates reflect the critical nature of forestry work, where injuries can have serious consequences, and timely intervention is essential.
How We Can Help
Industry Training Works offers comprehensive solutions for forestry companies, including:
1. First Aid Training
-
Onsite or offsite courses customised for forestry operations
-
Covers high-risk scenarios including chainsaw injuries, falls, and remote emergency responses
-
Flexible scheduling to suit shift patterns and remote sites
2. Occupational Health Checks
-
Standard health checks (medical questionnaire, blood pressure, BMI)
-
Optional enhanced checks tailored to forestry work demands
-
Can be scheduled onsite or at our clinic for convenience
3. Integrated Training Packages
Why It Matters
Forestry remains one of New Zealand’s most physically demanding and high-risk industries. Regular health monitoring and appropriate emergency preparedness not only protect workers but also improve productivity and demonstrate your commitment to compliance and workforce wellbeing.
By partnering with Industry Training Works, forestry employers can:
-
Meet the latest regulatory requirements
-
Ensure workers are trained and fit for purpose
-
Reduce workplace risk and improve safety culture
Get Started
Don’t wait for an incident to highlight gaps in your health and safety practices. Industry Training Works can tailor a plan for your forestry team that ensures compliance and protects your people.
📞 Contact our team today to discuss your training and occupational health check needs.
📞 0800 489 5669 | ✉️ itw@itw.org.nz
Industry Training Works — keeping New Zealand’s forestry workforce safe, skilled, and healthy.
