WorkSafe New Zealand is targeting falls from height during residential construction inspections running from October to December, as part of a wider programme of visits to high-risk workplaces.
The regulator announced the programme on 15 September, covering housebuilding sites alongside beef and lamb farms. Inspectors will assess how businesses manage critical risks and discuss improvements with workers and employers.
In a construction update on 2 October, WorkSafe said fall risks accounted for about 70% of prohibition notices and 45% of enforcement notices issued in the sector over the previous two years.
The visits will focus on education, but the regulator said inspectors would intervene where serious risks were not being controlled.
“Construction sites are dynamic environments, with multiple trades often working alongside each other,” said WorkSafe area manager Barney Hoskins.
WorkSafe said planning and communication between trades were needed to keep protective measures effective as projects progressed. Employers should identify hazards, assess risks and choose suitable equipment.
It also challenged the idea that short jobs need fewer precautions, saying fall-prevention measures must be considered even for tasks lasting only minutes.
The wider inspection programme is intended to improve understanding of health and safety responsibilities. Findings will also help WorkSafe understand current practices and shape its support for businesses.
WorkSafe has also revised its working-at-height guidance, adding material on risk management, safety decking and worker engagement. It said ladders were involved in about 40% of construction injuries caused by falls from height.
