Approved Code of Practice for loading and unloading cargo at ports and on ships
It was developed through workshops and is founded on industry good practice.
The ACOP explains how persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) can comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and HSWA Regulations, in order to reduce the number of serious injuries, illnesses and fatalities among workers who carry out this important work.
ACOP implementation
To support the implementation of the ACOP across the sector, Maritime NZ and the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group established the ACOP Implementation Project. This work, part of the Ports and Harbours Programme, focuses on critical safety risks that are top of mind to the sector and aligns internal and external efforts to prevent harm by applying evidence and increasing the capability, motivation, and opportunity for everyone in the sector to act safely.
The project guides day-to-day regulatory work to support the ACOP and informs future safety interventions. It also connects closely with other initiatives like the ports and harbours strategy, fatigue risk management, and workforce skills development.
Successful implementation will:
- ensure consistent health and safety practices across ports, reducing harm and fatalities
- equip workers with the tools and environment to work safely
- lower costs and uncertainty for PCBUs by clarifying compliance expectations
- support workforce training
- improve Maritime NZ’s understanding of effective risk management in ports.