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What Is a PROVISIONAL IMPROVEMENT NOTICE

  • Writer: Jeremiah Smith
    Jeremiah Smith
  • Jun 3
  • 2 min read

When you believe safety is at risk at your workplace, it can sometimes be difficult to know how to raise your concerns. Below you will find one option available that is taken very seriously and can potentially be a vehicle to raise your safety concerns.


Understanding the Health and Safety PIN Process in New Zealand


In New Zealand, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) empowers Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) to issue a Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) when they reasonably believe there’s been a breach of health and safety law that needs to be addressed. This process is an important tool for empowering workers and ensuring that health and safety concerns are taken seriously in the workplace.


What is a PIN?A PIN is a written notice that requires a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to remedy a situation that poses a health and safety risk. It’s a formal way for HSRs to demand improvements and to reinforce their role in safeguarding worker wellbeing.


How Does It Work?Before issuing a PIN, an HSR must consult with the PCBU to give them an opportunity to address the issue. If the issue isn’t resolved through consultation, the HSR can issue the PIN, outlining:

  • The specific section of the HSWA that’s been breached.

  • The reasons for issuing the notice.

  • What needs to be done to fix the problem and by when.


Enforcement and ComplianceOnce issued, the PCBU must comply with the PIN by the specified deadline or risk further enforcement action from WorkSafe New Zealand. If the PCBU disagrees with the PIN, they can request that WorkSafe review the notice.


Why is it Important?The PIN process is a vital part of a healthy safety culture. It allows workers to have a direct say in managing risks and encourages proactive improvement of workplace conditions. It also highlights the role of HSRs as key partners in making workplaces safer.




 
 
 

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