Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, school boards are legally responsible for the health and safety of everyone who works at, attends, or visits their school. That responsibility is shared across the whole school community, and it’s why having a clear, effective safety reporting system matters.

That’s exactly why we created GOSH for Education: our health, safety, and wellbeing platform designed specifically for schools. It helps prevent incidents before they happen and replaces time-consuming paperwork with a simple, streamlined process.

Why does my school need a safety reporting tool?

Safety hazards can (and do) happen everywhere. Even in the safest environments, risks will appear. In a school, that risk might look like:

• A spilled drink creating a slip hazard
• A blocked emergency exit
• A broken piece of equipment on the playground
• …and everything in-between!

Without an easy way to report and address these risks, small problems can quickly escalate into serious incidents. A safety reporting system helps schools stay proactive. It can impact your school by: 

• Minimising risk by reporting hazards before someone gets hurt.
• Building a stronger safety culture where everyone feels empowered and accountable, meaning fewer hazards slip through the cracks.
• Identifying patterns and problem areas through reporting highlights so you can address the root causes of any recurring issues. 
• Staying compliant with the Health and Safety at Work Act by making reporting simple and reliable. 

Real Results: Te Aratai College

Like many schools, Te Aratai College faced challenges including fragmented systems, staff uncertainty, cultural responsiveness, and limited leadership oversight.

After implementing GOSH for Education, they saw improved reporting and responsiveness, empowered staff, and stronger cultural integration across their faculty. Watch the video below to hear Maria Lemalie-Herbert, Principal, share their experience.

How do I successfully implement a school safety program?

When introducing any new software or program, it is important to know that the program covers the needs of the administration team while being usable for all parties. This ensures a smooth transition and implementation without creating additional stress. 

Some factors to consider include:

• Ease of use – Can anyone report a hazard quickly and easily? If a system is too complex, issues go unreported.
• Accessibility – Is it available on the devices people already use in the classroom like phones, tablets, or computers? Accessibility drives participation.
• Trust & Confidentiality – Do staff feel safe speaking up? Clear confidentiality policies and anonymous reporting options reduce fear and encourage honesty.

GOSH for Education was made for you! 

GOSH for Education was built specifically for schools, from early childhood centres through to primary and secondary education.

With GOSH, your school can:

• Save time, stay safe – less paperwork, more focus on protecting teachers, students and staff.
• More time for what matters – spend less time on admin and more time supporting learning and leadership.
• Confidence in compliance – meet board and legal requirements with ease.
• A stronger, safer culture – build trust within your school community through proactive management of health, safety and wellbeing.

Start your free 4-week trial of GOSH for Education today and set your school up for a safer, stronger year ahead.

Safety is a shared responsibility across educators, administrators, students, and visitors. A clear, effective reporting system helps ensure risks are identified early, concerns are heard, and your school remains compliant with New Zealand safety standards.

From chair height and desk setup, to the mouse and keyboard you use daily – small ergonomic adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Research consistently shows that the environment in which we work directly impacts how we feel and how effectively we perform.

A study by Steelcase surveyed nearly 700 office workers and found that 81% believe ergonomics has a direct impact on productivity (Source: EHS Today).

Beyond productivity, proper ergonomics can reduce fatigue, discomfort, and the risk of work-related injuries, all benefits that support both individuals and organisations.

What is a workplace assessment?

Many organisations offer ergonomic workplace assessments – when was the last time you had an assessment?

A workplace assessment involves an ergonomics expert evaluating your workstation based on your individual needs, tasks, and physical requirements. The assessor then provides practical, tailored recommendations to improve comfort, safety, and efficiency in your day-to-day work.

If your workplace does not currently offer this service, you haven’t done one in a while, or your workplace has changed, our experienced team can complete an assessment and provide clear guidance on how to optimise your workstation.

Hear from Anna Spelman, our in-house Registered Nurse, about the different options for a Working Wise workstation assessment and what they include.

What are the different types of workspace assessments?

We offer a variety of workspace assessments fit for different job needs. These include:

• Mini Assessment – fit for people who are new to the workspace and needing some education on how to set up a healthy and safe workspace
• Full Assessment – perfect for anyone experiencing discomfort or an injury
• Roving Assessment – if your team has moved floors or buildings
• Virtual Assessment – useful for anyone requiring flexibility and a quick assessment

What does a workspace assessment evaluate?

While assessments may vary depending on the nature of your role, most include an evaluation of:

• Desk and chair height in relation to your body
• Ergonomic suitability of mouse and keyboard
• Placement of screens and equipment
• Lighting conditions
• Posture and movement patterns
• Overall work environment
• Any task-specific equipment

Why get a workplace assessment?

No two people are the same. A workstation that suits one person may be unsuitable, or even harmful, for another. Individualised assessments help ensure that your setup supports your body and the demands of your role.

A workplace assessment can:

• Reduce the risk of discomfort, pain, and musculoskeletal injury
• Improve comfort and focus throughout the workday
• Support long-term health and wellbeing
• Enhance productivity and job satisfaction

Who should get a workspace assessment?

Workplace assessments are not limited to office-based roles. Whether you sit, stand, drive, or move throughout the day, your workspace should be designed to support you.

We work with a wide range of professionals, including:

• Office workers
• Teachers
• Factory and warehouse workers
• Photographers
• Drivers
  …and many more.

If you experience pain, discomfort, or fatigue related to your work environment, it may be time for an assessment.

Start the year off right by ensuring your workspace works for you. 

If you would like to find out more about Working Wise or workplace assessments, contact us.

WMK implemented Working Wise’s Health, Safety & Wellbeing Solution, GOSH. This immediately allowed teachers throughout the region to quickly and accurately record every incident. Each kindergarten received an iPad loaded and tailored with pre-prepared options to make it faster for staff.

“Because we have such an enormous responsibility for our childrens’ AND teachers’ wellbeing – both under law and our own regulations – it’s important to have a system that is going to work for them.” -Lorraine Coulston, Executive Assistant

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Working Wise conducted a comprehensive Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) review and implemented their cloud-based platform GOSH to help Te Aratai strengthen its safety culture and compliance.

“Because of the ease of the GOSH system, I’m confident in knowing that staff will report, upload and update anything that happens around the school” -Principal, Maria Lemalie-Herbert

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To move away from outdated paper-based systems, the College adopted GOSH, Working Wise’s digital health and safety platform.

Since implementation, staff engagement has surged, real-time hazard reporting is the norm, and board reporting is faster and clearer. With daily use across all departments and ongoing support from the Working Wise team, GOSH has become essential to the school’s health and safety culture.

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The risks of clutter 
Messy desks, overfilled storage areas, and cables across walkways may seem minor, but they can significantly increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls. Research also suggests that untidy work environments contribute to higher stress levels and lower job satisfaction. 

A Brother UK workplace survey found that: 

Blocked emergency exits, misplaced safety equipment, and disorganised documents can also delay responses in critical situations. These risks highlight why decluttering should be part of regular workplace hazard identification and risk assessments. 

The benefits of a tidy workplace 
Creating and maintaining a clutter-free environment has both physical and mental health benefits. Clean and organised spaces: 

• Reduce accident risks by keeping pathways and exits clear. 

• Support hygiene and cleanliness, lowering exposure to germs. 

• Help teams find and use the right tools and documents quickly. 

• Improve focus, morale, and a sense of control. 

A Harvard Business Review [HBR] article noted that cluttered spaces reduce our ability to process information effectively, while tidy spaces promote clearer thinking and better decision-making. Similarly, WebMD points out that clutter can elevate stress levels and even affect sleep quality. 

Digital clutter also plays a role. Research cited by HBR found that information workers can lose up to 2 hours each week searching for lost or misfiled digital documents. This is a reminder that decluttering is not only physical but also organisational. 

Practical steps to start decluttering 

• Begin with small actions such as clearing desks at the end of each day. 

• Store documents digitally where possible to reduce paper buildup. 

• In shared spaces, create clear systems for where items belong. 

• Include tidiness checks in workplace inspections alongside other hazard checks. 

These simple steps not only keep workplaces looking professional but also make them safer and more productive. For more evidence on how workplace clutter affects wellbeing, see Seek’s article on dirty workplaces or Healthline’s guide to decluttering. 

Supporting safer, smarter workplaces 
At Working Wise, we are focused on helping organisations think differently about health, safety and wellbeing. Whether it is through practical tools or smarter systems, our aim is to make workplaces safer, more efficient, and better prepared for the future. 

Explore how Working Wise can help

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The hidden risks of ignoring mental well-being

Workplace accidents and near misses don’t always come from faulty equipment or poor training. Often, the root cause can be fatigue, distraction, or stress. An employee battling burnout may be more likely to miss a safety step, take shortcuts, or make a decision they wouldn’t normally make.

Ignoring mental health doesn’t just affect the individual,  it creates ripple effects across the whole organisation. Teams under pressure can become less collaborative, communication drops, and overall awareness of safety risks begins to slip. What starts as a well-being issue can quickly become a health and safety concern.

Treating people well is a protective measure

A workplace that supports mental health is also a workplace that reduces risk. Support doesn’t always need to be complicated or costly. Sometimes it’s about the basics: clear communication, realistic workloads, and managers who genuinely check in on their people.

Practical examples include:

• Designing safer rosters to avoid fatigue and long hours.
• Building flexibility into roles so people can manage personal challenges without fear.
• Normalising conversations about stress, rather than leaving people to cope in silence.

These simple actions send a clear message – your wellbeing matters here. That message builds loyalty, lifts morale, and strengthens the culture of safety across the organisation.

Why leaders need to lead with empathy

Health, safety and well-being isn’t a set-and-forget task, and neither is mental health. Leaders set the tone by how they respond to pressure, how they talk about stress, and whether they back up their words with real support. An empathetic approach doesn’t just help individuals feel valued, it raises the overall standard of safety.

When leaders encourage open dialogue and actively listen, it creates psychological safety. That means employees are more likely to speak up about hazards, admit mistakes, or share when they’re not coping. In the long run, that honesty prevents risks from turning into incidents.

A safer workplace starts with wellbeing

This Mental Health Awareness Week, organisations have the chance to reframe how they see health and safety. It’s not two separate boxes – “physical” and “mental”  but one holistic picture of wellbeing.

By treating employees fairly, listening to their needs, and actively reducing the pressures that lead to stress and burnout, workplaces can create an environment where people feel safe in every sense of the word.

Because when wellbeing is prioritised, safety follows. And that’s how workplaces become places where people can do more than just work, they can truly thrive.

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Why little wins matter

When it comes to workplace wellbeing, we often focus on the big milestones like project completions, performance reviews, or annual goals. But it’s the small, everyday achievements that keep teams motivated and connected. A quick problem solved, a supportive gesture between colleagues, or simply making it through a tough week all count.

Celebrating these little wins boosts morale, creates a culture of recognition, and reminds your team that their efforts are seen and appreciated.

How to run a meaningful check-in this August

1. Start the conversation
You don’t need a formal wellbeing program to check in with your team. Take five minutes during a team meeting or one-on-one to ask how people are doing. Focus on energy levels, workload, and general mood, not just output.

2. Highlight recent wins
Whether it’s a shoutout in your internal chat, a note on the office whiteboard, or a few words in your next team email, make an effort to acknowledge everyday contributions. It helps people feel valued and encourages a positive feedback loop.

3. Keep it human
Not every win is work-related. Did someone run their first 5k, finally take that long-overdue break, or bring in home baking to lift the office mood? It’s all worth celebrating.

4. Link wellbeing to safety
A quick check-in on wellbeing can also flag potential risks before they become problems. Tired teams are more likely to miss safety steps or skip protocols. Use this moment to remind everyone that their health, both mental and physical, is part of a safe workplace.

Make it part of your culture

Little wins are only meaningful if they’re noticed regularly. Rather than treating check-ins as a once-off, think about how you can weave them into the way your team works. That might mean regular shoutouts at the end of each week, celebrating progress during project updates, or even encouraging team members to recognise each other. A culture that celebrates effort is one where people are more likely to thrive.

You don’t need a major initiative to boost team morale. Sometimes, a small word of encouragement or a quick recognition moment can go a long way. Use this quieter stretch of the year to reconnect, refresh, and remind your people that their wellbeing is worth talking about.

Need support with building a more people-focused workplace?
We help teams use the GOSH system to connect health, safety, and wellbeing in practical, everyday ways.
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“A zoo is unlike any other worksite, and managing risk here requires constant evaluation, innovation, and structure.” – Director of Safety, Assets and Sustainability Chris Jerram

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