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Critical Risk Starter Worksheet
Start with the work your people actually do. Use this page to capture hazards, think through what could realistically happen, and decide which risks need a closer look under the 2027 critical-risk rules.
Important: This is a thinking and recording tool, not a compliance test. A risk is not “critical” just because a risk matrix gives it a high score. WorkSafe’s critical-risk test and the amended Act should be used.
How to use it
1 · Look at the workChoose a task, activity, piece of equipment or situation that could cause harm.
2 · Check the legal testCheck whether the hazard is covered by the specified HSWA regulations, then consider the serious harm test.
3 · Check your controlsIf it is a critical risk, record the important controls and how you know they are working.
Your first risk
Critical-risk check
Is the hazard one covered by the relevant regulations? If not, if the risk occurs, is it likely to result in death, a notifiable injury or illness, a notifiable incident, or an occupational disease listed in Schedule 2 of the Accident Compensation Act?
Is the hazard one covered by the relevant regulations? If not, if the risk occurs, is it likely to result in death, a notifiable injury or illness, a notifiable incident, or an occupational disease listed in Schedule 2 of the Accident Compensation Act?
Check against the official guidance
This worksheet deliberately keeps the decision with you. Use the official definition and WorkSafe guidance when deciding whether a risk is critical.
WorkSafe — What is a critical risk? ↗WorkSafe — Managing critical risks for small PCBUs ↗NZ Legislation — Health and Safety at Work Amendment Act 2026 ↗