Building a Safer Workplace Through Proper Training and Licensing

Workplace safety in New Zealand depends on ensuring workers have the correct training, licenses, and endorsements to perform their roles safely. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), businesses must provide training and supervision to ensure workers are competent and can carry out tasks without risk to themselves or others. Compliance with WorkSafe guidance, AS/NZS standards, NZTA requirements, and NZQA unit standards is essential for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

Many roles require specific licenses and endorsements. Operators of forklifts, excavators, and heavy vehicles must meet the required licensing requirements. Electrical workers must hold current practicing licenses issued by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB), and high-risk work such as asbestos removal or hazardous substances handling requires WorkSafe-approved certifications. Businesses must also ensure that workers handling machinery, working at heights, or entering confined spaces are adequately trained to nationally recognised standards through NZQA-accredited courses.

Internal training plays a crucial role in reinforcing safe work practices, emergency procedures, and hazard management specific to each workplace. While formal NZQA training ensures workers meet national competency requirements, in-house training helps adapt these skills to company-specific environments and risks. Regular internal training sessions ensure workers comply with evolving safety standards and industry practices.

Lakes Safety is committed to helping businesses identify the right training solutions. We can provide guidance on both internal training requirements and NZQA unit standard-based courses to ensure compliance. Additionally, we can recommend trusted local training providers such as Workplace Safety Solutions for forklift certification, license endorsements, and commercial driver training (https://workplacesafetysolutions.co.nz/), ensuring your workforce is trained to the highest standards.

Investing in the correct training and licensing not only meets legal obligations but also protects workers and enhances overall safety culture. Contact Lakes Safety today to discuss your training needs and ensure your team is fully qualified and compliant.

Hear It from Our Clients

See the impact we've had on businesses and how we could do the same for you.

Derek provided excellent health & safety consultancy. His advice was practical, thorough, well-delivered, and easy to implement. He helped us identify risks we’d overlooked and suggested cost-effective solutions. Recommend for any business needing H&S guidance.

Murray Beadle
General Manager

BFA Business Advisors and Accountants – Taupo

Highly recommend this health and safety company! They provided top-notch service for our roofing business, ensuring everything was up to standard. Their team was professional, thorough, and easy to work with. We feel confident knowing our safety measures are in excellent hands. Great job.

Laurence
Director

 

Storm Tech Roofing – Hawkes Bay

“Derek has worked alongside our team to create a comprehensive and personalised Health & Safety system tailored to every part of our organisation. From the clinical team to our shops, volunteers to visitors — he’s helped ensure everyone is safer and more supported.

He took the time to truly listen to our concerns, guided us with expertise, and highlighted key areas where we could strengthen our systems. Thanks to his knowledge and care, we’re making some important improvements that will have a lasting impact”

Lake Taupo Hospice

“I got Derek in to update our H&S management system. He was honest and did a great job. Highly recommend.”

Mark Bowsher
Station Manager

Whareroa Station – Waikato

Derek was approachable, experienced, and readily available (at very short notice) for what was required for our H&S work site induction. Highly recommend should your company be in need of a person to tackle H&S matters.

Grace Solomon
Resident Manager

Two Trees Ngā Rākau e Rua – Taupō

Thank you, Derek, for your professional and objective advice. Your insights were incredibly helpful. We also really appreciated your enthusiasm in sharing your social networks and experiences, it was truly inspiring!

Eve Liu

Office Manager

Hauraki Civil Engineering – Rotorua

“Very knowledgeable and willing to put the effort in upfront to understand our situation. Tailored things to fit our business requirements without creating a pile of confusing admin for us”

Spenser Christiansen
Director 

That Dingo Guy – Manawatu

Connect with Lakes Safety Services – Practical Support, Real Results

Health and Safety Expertise That Works for Your Business

With over 25 years of real-world experience, Lakes Safety Services provides practical health and safety consultancy, coaching, and support across Taupō and the Central North Island. We specialise in solutions that fit your people, tasks, and risks — not just checklists. From technical systems and governance advice to contractor management and SafePlus assessments, we help you build safer workplaces with confidence.