Working at height comes with many risks that employers, as well as workers, should do all they can to prevent. To help them, the government of New Zealand provides guidelines for both employers and employees when working at height, and here’s a quick rundown

1. Working at Height in
New Zealand:
A Guideline for Best
Practices
3S Site + Safety Supplies

2. Working at height comes with many risks that employers, as well as workers, should
do all they can to prevent. To help them, the government of New Zealand provides
guidelines for both employers and employees when working at height, and here’s a
quick rundown:
Elimination of Height Hazards
The best method of hazard control in a work at height environment is removing the
potential of a fall. Controls must be in place at the earliest stage of the project to allow
for necessary design, planning, and coordination. These measures to safeguard against
height hazards can be achieved through:
• Safer workplace design
Installation of walkways with handrails is a good example of a safer workplace design.
Parapet walls or other forms of edge protection are great additions, too.
• Use of alternative construction methods

3. Alternative construction methods keep the workers from spending too much time on a
high platform. These include pre-painting or fabricating structures on the ground
before installation at height. The use of pre-cast tilt-up concrete materials or panels is
a great alternative method, as well.
Minimisation of Height Hazards
In instances that require workers to be on top of scaffolds or other high platforms, the
workplace must observe a range of minimisation controls.
• Scaffolds
Scaffolds are an ideal equipment to provide a safe work platform, but they must only
be erected and dismantled by certified personnel. The employers must also supply the
workers with adequate information about the proper use of scaffolding, including the
safe working load and any special conditions and limitations that come with the
equipment.
• Soft Landing Systems

4. The purpose of soft landing systems (STS) is to alleviate the effect of falls from height.
When STS cannot be provided, safety nets and catch platforms must be present at the
site.
• Safety Gear
It is also necessary that workers wear appropriate gear for safety, such as helmets,
gloves, and harnesses while on site. Anyone without the proper work wear must be
restrained from entering the construction area.
With elimination and minimisation controls, working at height in New Zealand is safer
for everyone. It just boils down to the employers and managers implementing the
aforementioned preventive measures.
Sources:
https://www.3ssafety.co.nz/
http://construction.worksafe.govt.nz/guides/working-at-height-in-new-zealand/
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/1995/0167/latest/whole.html