Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

The Act is the law passed by Parliament that set out the overriding occupational health and safety obligations of duty holders, along with powers of inspectors, compliance requirements and administrative issues.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007

Regulations are designed to set out specific safety requirements. Compliance with Regulations is mandatory.  Regulations are more detailed and prescriptive than the Act.

Codes of Practice

An approved code of practice (COP) provides practical guidance to meeting legislative obligations.

It should always be followed unless there is another solution which achieves the same or a better standard of health and safety in your workplace.

A code of practice is not law, but it should be followed unless there is an alternative course of action that achieves the same or better standards.