What Is a Hazard Register - Does Your NZ Business Need One?
If you’ve ever heard the term “hazard register” and thought, yep, should probably sort that, you’re not alone. Whether you’re on the tools or running a childcare centre, having a hazard register is a non-negotiable part of health and safety compliance in New Zealand — and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this post, we’ll break it down: what a hazard register actually is, why it matters, what you need to include, and how to make it work in your real-life, fast-moving workplace.
What Is a Hazard Register?
A hazard register is a living document that lists potential risks in your workplace — and what you’re doing to manage them. It’s a key part of your duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). WorkSafe can ask to see it any time.
You can use a digital spreadsheet, a printed checklist, or a purpose-built app — as long as it’s accessible, regularly updated, and tailored to your site.
Why You Need One
Whether you’re managing toddlers or trusses, hazards are part of the job. What matters is how you identify, assess, and control them.
Benefits of having a hazard register:
Keeps your people safer (less downtime, fewer injuries)
Helps you comply with HSWA and avoid penalties
Shows WorkSafe you take safety seriously
Builds trust with staff, contractors and parents
Gives you peace of mind — you’re onto it.
What Should Be in a Hazard Register?
Here’s what to include:
Hazard description: What’s the risk? Be specific — e.g. “wet concrete at entrance”, not just “trip hazard”.
Location: Where it is — especially helpful on larger sites or shared ECE play areas.
Risk rating: How likely is it to cause harm? How serious would it be?
Control measures: What you're doing to reduce the risk — PPE, signage, barriers, procedures etc.
Who’s responsible: Assign a person or role to manage the hazard.
Date identified & reviewed: Log when it was added, and when it was last checked or resolved.
Examples by Industry
👷 For Trades (Construction, Electrical, Plumbing)
Common hazards:
Uneven scaffolding
Live electrical cables
Working at height
Noise exposure
Sharp tools or machinery
Quick fix tip: Print your register and keep it in your site box or trailer. Review it at your morning toolbox meeting and update it as the site changes.
👉 Need a simple template? Ask Aria for a free construction hazard register template.
🧸 For ECE Centres
Common hazards:
Slippery outdoor play areas
Allergens (nuts, bees, cleaning products)
Playground equipment wear and tear
Access to the kitchen or staff areas
Strangers on site
Quick fix tip: Keep your register on a shared Google Drive and give all kaiako access via their phones. Review weekly and after incidents.
👉 We help centres like yours build practical safety systems. Check out our ECE services.
🧑💼 For Small Business Owners
Common hazards:
Cluttered walkways
Poorly stored stock
Manual handling injuries
Chemical products
Lone working risks
Quick fix tip: Block out 30 minutes a month to walk through your space and update your register. Set a calendar reminder to keep it regular.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using a generic template that doesn’t reflect your business
❌ Letting the register gather dust — it should be updated regularly
❌ Forgetting to train your team on how to report hazards
❌ Not acting on the risks you've listed
How On To It Health & Safety Can Help
Setting up or refreshing your hazard register can feel overwhelming. But we make it simple.
We tailor registers to your site, team and industry
We give you easy-to-use formats and train your team
We help you link it with your risk assessments and control plans
Let’s make your H&S systems not just compliant, but workable.
Explore our health & safety systems
Book a no-obligation call with Aria
A hazard register isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a safer environment for your team, your clients, your whānau — and your business. And with the right help, it’s easier than you think.
If you’re ready to get on to it — we’re here. Straight-up, practical, no-fluff health & safety that works for you.
