The Department of Labour is seeking input for a revision of the Guidelines for the prevention of falls. When completed, the Guide is intended to replace the first edition of the Guidance Document, published in 2000.

The reasons for the revision are:

• to include the amendments to the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 that came into effect in May 2003;
• to reflect current good practice operating in a range of diverse workplaces across New Zealand;
• to ensure that guidance material provided around this issue is consistent with other New Zealand documents; and
• to ensure that New Zealand guidance documents reflect international best practice.

Falls in the workplace often result in serious harm or even death. The potential for falls is present in many New Zealand workplaces and it is important that employers are aware of the hazards; and understand how to control and monitor them in the workplace.

Public consultation

The Department welcomes your comments on this draft document [PDF, 68 Pages, 1,015 kB]. Please see the section below.

Height Guideline Response Form [DOC, 8 Pages, 493kB]

If you wish to provide feedback, please complete the Response Form and return it by email or post to:

Demi Naylor
Senior Advisor, Standard Setting
Department of Labour
PO Box 3705
Wellington 6140
Email: demi.naylor@dol.govt.nz

Responses are due by 5pm on Friday 5th June 2009.