Complaints

NZOHS – Complaints Process for Members of the Public 

NZOHS is committed to upholding high standards of professional and ethical practice in occupational hygiene. Members of the public, clients, employers, regulators, or other organisations may raise concerns about the conduct or competence of any NZOHS Member. 

Because NZOHS is an incorporated society, our Constitution only allows Members or Officers to formally lodge complaints under the Society’s dispute resolution process. However, the Society may initiate a complaint on behalf of the public when concerns appear credible, material, or relevant to professional or ethical standards.

How to Raise a Concern

Any member of the public may notify NZOHS of concerns about a Member’s conduct by emailing: 

secretary@nzohs.org.nz
Subject line: Confidential – External Complaint or Concern 

Please provide: 

  • Your name and contact details 
  • The name of the NZOHS Member involved 
  • A clear description of the issue or conduct 
  • Any supporting information (emails, reports, dates, screenshots, etc.) 
  • The above details within 12 months of the event that lead to this complaint 

We encourage concise, factual descriptions.

Initial Review by NZOHS

Once received, the NZOHS Committee (or a delegated Sub-Committee) will conduct a preliminary review to determine whether: 

  1. The concern relates to an NZOHS Member 
  2. The concern relates to conduct, ethics, professionalism, competency, or behaviour that could breach NZOHS Constitution, bylaws, code of conduct, or the Incorporated Societies Act 
  3. There is adequate information to assess next steps 

Decision on Whether to Initiate a Formal Complaint

If the preliminary review identifies that the concern is: 

  • material, 
  • credible, 
  • and relevant to Member conduct or standards, 

the Society may initiate a complaint on behalf of the public under Clause 9.2.2 of the Constitution. 

NZOHS will notify the public complainant of the outcome of the initial review (i.e., whether NZOHS will proceed). 

Confidentiality

NZOHS will: 

  • protect the privacy of both the complainant and the Member 
  • not disclose complainant identity unless required by natural justice or law 
  • handle all matters in accordance with our Constitution and Privacy Act 2020 
Fair Process

If a formal complaint is initiated: 

  • both the complainant (NZOHS, acting on behalf of the public) and the Member have a right to be heard 
  • both parties may provide written submissions 
  • an oral hearing may be held if needed 
  • decision-makers will be impartial and free of conflicts of interest 
Possible Outcomes

Outcomes may include: 

  • no further action 
  • recommendations for training or supervision 
  • finding of a breach of the Constitution or Code of Conduct 
  • suspension or removal of membership 
  • referral to an external regulator if applicable 
Timeframes

NZOHS aims to complete its initial assessment within 20 working days and the full process within 60–90 working days, depending on complexity.