The workplace health and safety regulator, Worksafe New Zealand, says changes to how the forestry industry operates will make a difference.
Forestry is the country's most dangerous industry - 32 people have been killed on the job since 2008.
Recommendations made by an independent safety review panel include certifying all contractors, setting up a safety leaders' group and laying down clear rules about how to deal with problems like fatigue.
Worksafe chief executive, Gordon MacDonald, said his agency would be involved in the changes.
"When it comes to things like guidance and approved codes of practice, well, that will fall to us to develop, so we will be doing that. If it requires legislation, that will be a consideration for the Ministry."