Health and Safety for Sole Traders

12 Nov Health and Safety for Sole Traders

Posted at 09:45h in Articles by Rachel Bell

When you’re running your own business as a sole trader, health and safety can sometimes slip down the list of priorities. You’re juggling everything – quoting jobs, doing the work, chasing invoices – so it’s easy to think health and safety only applies to big companies.

But here’s the thing: under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, you’re still responsible for managing risks and keeping yourself (and others) safe. Whether you’re a builder, hairdresser, consultant, or contractor, the same rules apply.

Why Health and Safety Matters When You’re Self-Employed

Even if you’re working on your own, you still face risks every day. From lifting heavy equipment and working with tools, to driving between jobs or using hazardous substances – accidents can happen fast.

And if you get hurt, your whole business stops. No income, no clients, no backup.

On top of that, WorkSafe NZ can still investigate incidents involving sole traders, and many clients now expect to see proper health and safety systems before they’ll hire you.

So really, health and safety isn’t just compliance – it’s protecting your livelihood.

What the Law Says

As a sole trader, you’re classed as a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU). That means you have to:

Identify hazards and manage risks – look for what could go wrong and take practical steps to prevent it.
Keep yourself safe at work – use PPE, take breaks, and don’t cut corners.
Protect others who could be affected by your work – like clients, subcontractors, or the public.
Keep tools and equipment in good condition – regular checks and maintenance go a long way.
Report serious incidents to WorkSafe – if something major happens, you have to let them know.

If you start working alongside other businesses, you’ll also need to coordinate and cooperate with them on health and safety matters – things like sharing risk assessments and agreeing on who’s responsible for what.

Simple Ways to Manage Health and Safety as a Sole Trader

Health and safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few easy ways to stay on top of it:

1. Have a Health and Safety Plan

This can be as simple as a one-page document that outlines your main hazards and how you manage them.

2. Do Basic Risk Assessments

Before starting a job, think through the tasks and note any risks – working at height, using power tools, manual handling, or fatigue – and how you’ll control them.

3. Keep a Record of Incidents and Maintenance

If you have a near miss, injury, or even a broken tool, jot it down. It helps you spot patterns and shows you’re taking things seriously if WorkSafe or a client ever asks.

4. Use Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs)

SOPs are step-by-step guides that show how to complete tasks safely and consistently. They’re especially useful for higher-risk jobs.

5. Review and Update Regularly

Every few months, take a few minutes to review your plan and make sure it still fits your work. If you buy new gear or take on a different type of job, update your safety steps accordingly.

The Benefits of Doing It Right

Getting your health and safety sorted as a sole trader helps you:

Avoid injuries and downtime;
Look more professional to clients;
Meet your legal obligations; and
Win more contracts – especially from larger businesses that require H&S documentation.

It’s not about paperwork for the sake of it – it’s about keeping yourself in business.

Need a Simple Way to Manage It All?

If you’d like an easier way to stay organised, Hasmate can help. Our health and safety management software is designed for New Zealand sole traders and small businesses – so you can record hazards, incidents, maintenance, and training in one tidy place.

Get in touch to book a free online demonstration, or start a free 30 day program trial (no credit card required!)