Preventing Falls from Height - Flyer
Prevent falls while working at height
Doing nothing is not an option
The human and financial toll of falls from height in construction is too high.
Did you know:
- more than 50% of falls are from less than three metres
- 70% are from ladders and roofs
- the annual cost of falls from height in the construction sector is estimated at $24 million.
To stay safe when working at height, you need to follow these steps in sequence:
- Eliminate the chances of a fall by doing as much of the preparation work as possible on the ground.
- Isolate the worker from the risk of a fall by using scaffolds and edge protection to prevent the fall.
- Minimise the risk when these steps are not achievable.
Safety first
Working together to identify hazards in the workplace includes ensuring everyone is properly trained and supervised and is able to identify and evaluate the hazard of working at height. Preventing falls while working at height focuses on:
- edge protection when working on single-storey roofs
- the safe use of ladders
- what working safely looks like and why it is important
- how to use the right equipment safely
- raising awareness, worksite inspections and providing information
- targeted, fair and transparent enforcement.
Falls from height in construction are preventable.
Improve your worksite with safety steps that benefit everyone and the work you are doing.
More information can be found at: www.dol.govt.nz/prevent-falls/
You can also call the Department of Labour on 0800 20 90 20 if you have specific questions or concerns about your workplace.
