Most of the first phase of regulations to support the new Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 have been finalised and will come into force on 4 April along with the Act.

The regulations, available on WorkSafe New Zealand's website, are intended to support businesses to understand their compliance obligations with regard to the Act.

Regulations specifying infringement offences and fees will be finalised shortly, WorkSafe says.

The regulations for work involving hazardous substances are currently being consulted on and will be finalised later this year. Submissions are due by 5pm, Friday 26 February 2016.

Regulations to support the power in the new Act for the regulator to grant exemptions from regulatory requirements (clause 228A) will be developed this year.

Phase two regulations will be developed over the next two years.

WorkSafe says they will soon release guidance and fact sheets now that the regulations have been finalised. They are also developing: Case studies, videos and interactive tools.