As the regulator of the workplace health and safety system, WorkSafe has three key roles: Regulatory confidence Harm prevention System leadership WorkSafe works collaboratively with businesses, undertakings, workers and their representatives to embed and promote good workplace health and safety practices.

Some of WorkSafe's functions include: These responsibilities are defined in legislation, specifically by the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

The bill was made after a recommendation by a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the 2010 Pike River Mine disaster, which resulted in 29 deaths.

The social and economic cost of deaths, injuries and ill-health arising from work is estimated at $3.5 billion a year.

However, the real toll is paid by the families, friends and co-workers of those who are killed, seriously injured or experience work-related ill-health.