New Zealand releases new guidelines to reduce workplace falls

New Zealand Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson recently launched Best Practice Guidelines for Working at Height in New Zealand.

"These guidelines give everyone in the industry clear, simple advice that will help bring down the death and injury toll from avoidable falls in the construction industry.

“Falls while working at height cost this country an estimated $24 million every year. When you add in the toll on families, colleagues and the community, the situation is simply unsustainable.”

Department of Labour investigations show that more than 50% of falls in construction while working at height are from less than three metres. About 70% of these falls are from ladders and roofs.

Builders, roofers, electrical workers, painters and decorators are the most likely to fall from height and get seriously hurt while they are working.

Best Practice Guidelines for Working at Height in New Zealand has been developed by the Department of Labour in association with 21 businesses and industry organisations from New Zealand’s construction sector. These guidelines are the first in a series of safety guides that will be published as part of the Department of Labour’s three-year harm reduction campaign Preventing Falls from Height. The campaign is focused on raising awareness about working safely at height through engagement, education and enforcement. Best Practice Guidelines for Working on Roofs is due for completion in the next month or so.