Working at heights is an essential yet hazardous aspect of many industries in New Zealand, from construction to telecommunications. Unfortunately, falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, with 645 reported injuries and 12 deaths in the construction sector alone between 2022 and 2023. These alarming statistics underscore the critical need for strict safety measures and compliance with regulations.
New Zealand’s safety framework, guided by the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and WorkSafe New Zealand, ensures that employers prioritise worker safety. By providing proper training and equipment, you not only protect lives but also foster a productive and confident workforce. A safe environment boosts morale, reduces absenteeism, and enhances industry reputation.
Understanding and adhering to these safety regulations isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a responsibility that can save lives and build trust within your team and with stakeholders.
Importance Of Working At Heights Safety
Working at heights comes with serious risks, especially in industries like construction, maintenance, and agriculture. Over 50% of falls from heights in New Zealand happen from less than three metres, and approximately 70% involve ladders or roofs. These incidents often lead to severe injuries, such as fractures or head trauma, and in some cases, fatalities. Beyond physical harm, falls can cost the economy around $24 million annually, significantly impacting businesses and workers alike.
Safety measures aren’t just about ticking boxes—they save lives and prevent injuries. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 requires proactive steps to protect everyone on-site. Whether it’s using protective equipment, inspecting high-risk areas, or maintaining proper training, these actions minimise risks and enhance workplace safety.
Remember, working at any height is dangerous if precautions aren’t followed. Even tasks under three metres need careful planning, as impacts on hard surfaces or objects can result in serious harm. Consistently applying safety protocols ensures that you, your co-workers, and anyone nearby stay protected.
Legal Framework In New Zealand
Working at heights in New Zealand is regulated to ensure safety and reduce harm. Updated laws and guidelines aim to support businesses in managing risks effectively.
Key Regulations And Guidelines
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 is the primary legislation governing workplace safety. This law outlines the responsibilities of everyone involved in a workplace, including employers, employees, and contractors. WorkSafe New Zealand oversees compliance, offering guidance on safety practices and inspecting high-risk activities like working at heights.
Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs) and guidelines provide practical steps to meet legal requirements. These documents, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, align with international safety standards. They detail safer methods for using equipment like ladders, harnesses, and scaffolding, ensuring workplaces minimise fall risks.
Employers must refer to standards cited in ACoPs where appropriate. Examples include maintaining clear access to roofs and scaffolding and regularly inspecting gear to avoid malfunctions. By following these, you’re not just complying with laws but also protecting your team’s wellbeing.
Duty Holder Responsibilities
The HSWA assigns specific duties to those responsible for workplace safety. As an employer or “PCBU“ you’re required to identify risks and take reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise them. For example, if working on roofs or elevated platforms, you’re expected to carry out fall prevention systems.
Employees also share responsibility. You’re expected to follow safety procedures, use provided equipment properly, and report hazards. This shared accountability fosters a culture of safety, ensuring risks are tackled collectively.
Self-employed individuals and contractors aren’t exempt. You’re responsible for your safety and must adhere to regulations when on a worksite. Whether you’re checking ladders, setting up scaffolding, or using personal protective equipment, compliance is mandatory.
Workplace controllers must maintain safe conditions. If you’re managing a site, ensure all access points and fall prevention systems are functional. Safety obligations apply equally to everyone, creating safer environments for all workers.
Hazard Identification And Risk Management
Mitigating risks while working at heights in New Zealand starts with identifying hazards and managing them effectively. Focusing on common risks, thorough assessments, and detailed planning ensures safety compliance under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Recognising Common Hazards
Spotting hazards involves looking out for potential dangers that could cause falls. Common risks include unstable surfaces like loose roofing, improper use of ladders, and weather conditions such as strong winds or rain. Misalignment of scaffolding, open edges, and inadequate protective measures are also significant concerns. Walk around the worksite and use a checklist to capture these hazards during physical inspections.
Other issues include manual handling risks, where lifting heavy or awkward materials at height can lead to imbalance. Objects caught by the wind, unsecured tools, and overreaching in awkward positions increase the likelihood of accidents. Identifying these early lets you tackle them before work starts.
Conducting Risk Assessments
Risk assessments help you measure how likely and severe a fall could be. Ask two key questions: how badly could someone be injured if they fell, and what’s the chance of a fall happening? Categorise risks as mild, moderate, or extreme. For example, working near an edge without barriers would classify as a high risk.
Use techniques like task analysis to examine the hazards linked to each job. Process analysis maps out risks in every stage of production or service. Reviewing past accident reports tied to similar projects can also give clear insight into what went wrong and how to prevent repeats. Always prioritise serious hazards where the potential for harm is significant.
Developing A Safe Work Plan
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) keeps everyone on the same page about controlling risks. This plan should detail the work scope, the equipment in use, and how risks will be minimised. Include methods to eliminate dangers where possible, like performing specific tasks at ground level. If elimination isn’t feasible, isolate hazards by installing guardrails or implementing restricted zones.
Where neither elimination nor isolation suffices, minimise exposure by using controls like harnesses, fall arrest systems, and certified PPE. Ensure the plan includes regular reviews to confirm that controls remain effective. Communicate the SWMS clearly to all workers and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities before starting the job. A project manager or competent individual should sign off to ensure compliance and cross-checks.
Safety Measures And Equipment
Ensuring safety while working at heights in New Zealand requires a range of measures and proper equipment. These practices are vital for preventing injuries, complying with regulations, and protecting lives.
Fall Prevention Systems
Fall prevention systems aim to stop falls before they occur. Common options include guardrails, safety mesh, and edge protection. Guardrails provide a passive layer of protection, ensuring workers can’t accidentally step off edges. Safety mesh strengthens roof structures to minimise risks during roofing activities. When designing these systems, prioritise group measures to protect multiple workers rather than relying solely on personal controls.
Use Of Scaffolds And Ladders
Scaffolds and ladders are widely used for working at height but come with strict guidelines. Scaffolds under two metres require a sturdy base to maintain stability. Ensure proper guardrails are in place on taller scaffolds. Standard ladders are best avoided unless for short-term tasks; platform ladders with rails are safer and offer better support. Always inspect ladders for damage and use them only on stable surfaces.
Harness Systems And Anchorage
Harness systems are critical for personal fall protection. Total restraint systems prevent falls by limiting movement, while fall arrest systems stop downward motion in emergencies. Ensure harnesses are anchored to secure structural points and accounted for factors like the pendulum effect. After a fall, quarantine and dispose of the harness according to regulations, and inspect all related equipment before reuse.
Safety Nets And Soft Landing Systems
Safety nets and soft landing systems reduce the impact when falls occur. Install nets below work areas whenever overhead tasks are involved, and choose designs compliant with New Zealand standards. Soft landing systems, such as airbags, absorb energy to minimise injury risks. Use these options for high-risk tasks to enhance overall safety.
Training And Supervision
Effective training ensures workers understand the risks and regulations tied to working at heights. In New Zealand, this includes compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and WorkSafe‘s guidelines. Training programs should cover hazard identification, correct use of equipment like harness systems and ladders, and emergency procedures.
Supervision plays a crucial role in maintaining safety standards. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring workers follow established safety practices and use equipment correctly. They should conduct regular safety checks and provide immediate feedback if unsafe practices are observed. This oversight is particularly critical for new employees or those unfamiliar with specific work environments.
Common Challenges And Best Practices
Challenges Associated With Working At Heights
- Unstable surfaces: You often face risks on uneven or weak platforms like old roofs or scaffolding, which could collapse without warning. Proper inspections are critical to reduce this hazard.
- Weather conditions: Wet, windy, or icy conditions make surfaces slippery and control harder. Planning work during stable weather can minimise risks.
- Improper equipment use: Incorrect ladder angles or poorly maintained harnesses can lead to falls. Regular maintenance and correct usage training are essential.
- Limited training: Without proper instruction, workers may misunderstand safety protocols or misuse equipment, increasing fall risks.
Best Practices For Managing Heights Safely
- Use protective measures: Employ guardrails, safety harnesses, or safety nets to minimise injury risks. Examples like fall arrest systems ensure workers are secure even if a slip occurs.
- Conduct pre-work assessments: Inspect surfaces, tools, and surroundings before starting work to guarantee they’re in proper condition. Regular checks catch potential hazards early.
- Provide regular training: Organise sessions on handling tools, responding to emergencies, and identifying dangers, keeping workers updated with regulations.
- Supervise tasks closely: Assign experienced supervisors to oversee jobs, ensuring compliance with safety practices. This is particularly vital for inexperienced employees or high-risk tasks.
- Develop clear plans: Detailed Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) help organise responsibilities, document hazards, and carry out controls effectively. Active reviews ensure plans remain effective.
Focusing on these practices not only meets New Zealand’s safety standards but creates a safer environment, boosting overall productivity.
Conclusion
Working at heights in New Zealand comes with significant risks, affecting industries like construction where injuries and fatalities remain a concern. Following the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and WorkSafe New Zealand guidelines is key to addressing these risks. Using protective equipment, ensuring comprehensive training, and fostering a strong safety culture help save lives, reduce injuries, and support better workplace practices.
Statistics show that over 50% of falls occur from heights under three metres, emphasising the need for safety planning even for seemingly low-risk tasks. Falls from ladders and roofs, accounting for 70% of incidents, highlight the importance of consistent inspections and appropriate equipment use. Minimising economic losses and meeting legal obligations requires collective efforts from employers, employees, contractors, and self-employed individuals.
Key strategies involve identifying hazards, conducting risk assessments, and using Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). Communication of responsibilities and reviewing safety controls make compliance more effective. Combining training initiatives, proactive planning, and proper supervision ensures all workers understand safety protocols. Protecting workers eventually contributes to a safer, more productive industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common causes of falls from heights in New Zealand?
Falls from heights in New Zealand typically occur due to unstable surfaces, improper ladder use, and adverse weather conditions. Often, these incidents involve roofs or ladders and can happen from heights of less than three metres.
Why is compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 important?
Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 is essential as it ensures legal obligations are met and helps create a safer workplace. It protects workers from harm, enhances productivity, and improves overall industry reputation.
What safety equipment is mandatory for working at heights?
Key safety equipment includes safety harnesses, scaffolds, guardrails, safety nets, and ladders that adhere to New Zealand standards. The equipment must be inspected regularly to ensure proper functioning.
How can risks be managed while working at heights?
Risk management includes hazard identification, conducting risk assessments, and creating a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). Using protective equipment and planning tasks carefully reduces the likelihood of accidents.
What role does training play in working safely at heights?
Training ensures workers understand hazards, proper equipment use, and emergency procedures. It raises awareness of risks and regulations, promoting safety compliance and reducing work-related injuries.
What are some common hazards when working at heights?
Common hazards include unstable surfaces, improper equipment use, adverse weather conditions, and lack of proper training. Regular site inspections and effective planning help mitigate these risks.
What is a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)?
An SWMS is a plan outlining job tasks, equipment, and risk control measures, focused on ensuring worker safety. It’s an essential tool for compliance and proactive risk management.
What is the cost of falls from heights to New Zealand’s economy annually?
Falls from heights cost New Zealand approximately $24 million annually, considering medical bills, lost productivity, and compensation claims.
What is the recommended height for using scaffolding in New Zealand?
Scaffolding is recommended when working at any height where there is a risk of falling, particularly from two metres or more, as outlined by New Zealand regulations.
How do fall prevention systems reduce accidents?
Fall prevention systems, like guardrails and safety mesh, are designed to stop falls before they occur. They provide a secure working environment by eliminating or reducing fall hazards.
What is the significance of regular equipment inspections?
Regular inspections ensure that all safety equipment remains in good condition and meets regulatory standards, preventing equipment failure and enhancing worker safety.
Why is supervision important when working at heights?
Supervision ensures safety protocols are followed, unsafe practices are identified, and immediate corrective actions are taken. Supervisors also assist in ensuring new staff are adequately trained.