The new ACOP 2025 is now in effect. While it replaces the 2012 version, it doesn’t introduce radical new rules—rather, it reframes how we think about health and safety responsibilities in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).
What’s Changed—and What Hasn’t
The new ACOP is less prescriptive in language (e.g. “shall” is gone), but not less enforceable.
You’re not required to follow the ACOP word-for-word—but you must implement practices that are at least as good as the standard in the code.
If an incident occurs and your systems fall short of the ACOP’s standard, you may be held liable. So, in practice, following the ACOP remains the safest path.
By the Numbers
“Must” appears 181 times (up from 32 in 2012), showing stronger alignment with regulatory duties.
“Make sure” appears 361 times, reflecting a shift toward practical responsibility.
The ACOP is longer (197 pages) but consolidates key guidance from HSWA-era documents—especially around PCBUs, risk management, and worker engagement.
What Contractors Should Do First?
Before diving into technical sections, we strongly recommend reading and understanding Sections 1 to 4: in particular
1.1 Who is this for?
1.5 What things mean?
3.1 Who are the Duty holders?
3.3 Working with other PCBUs to manage H&S through the contracting chain
3.4 How to manage risk?
4.1.8 Choosing a capable contractor
What Will Require Adjustment?
The biggest shift is around PCBU responsibilities and overlapping duties. Contractors will need to:
Understand their role as a PCBU and how it interacts with others (e.g. forest owners, wood buyers).
Engage proactively in risk management and communication across the contracting chain.
Document decisions and controls that meet or exceed the ACOP standard.
WorkSafe’s Approach
We’re encouraged by WorkSafe’s current intent: to educate, support, and engage rather than enforce punitively. FICA will continue forwarding workshop invitations and updates as they come through.
