• secure and promote the health, safety and welfare of people at work
• protect people against workplace health and safety risks
• provide for consultation and cooperation between employers and workers in achieving the objects of the Act
• ensure that risks are identified, assessed and eliminated or controlled,
• develop and promote community awareness of occupational health and safety issues,
• provide a legislative framework that allows for progressively higher standards of occupational health and safety to take account of new technologies and work practices
• protect people against risks arising from the use of plant (ie. machinery, equipment or appliances).

 Summary of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000