Working at height is one of the most common causes of serious injury and death in New Zealand — both on the job and at home. Whether you're clearing gutters, replacing a few tiles, or inspecting your roof after a storm, understanding the risks and taking the right precautions can make the difference between a job well done and a trip to hospital.
Understanding the Risks of Working at Height
Falls from ladders and roofs account for a significant proportion of ACC claims and fatalities in New Zealand each year. Even a fall from a single-storey roof or the top of a ladder can cause life-changing injuries. WorkSafe NZ classifies falls from height as a critical risk, and their guidance applies equally to homeowners doing DIY work as it does to professional tradespeople.
Before you climb anything, ask yourself honestly: Is this task within my ability? Do I have the right equipment? Is the weather suitable? If you're unsure about any of these, it's worth calling a qualified roofer.
Choosing and Setting Up a Ladder Safely
Using the right ladder and setting it up correctly is the foundation of safe work at height.
- Choose the right ladder type. For most roof access, an extension ladder is appropriate. Step ladders are only suitable for low-level work on flat, stable ground — never lean a step ladder against a wall or gutter.
- Check the load rating. Ladders are rated by the weight they can safely carry, including you, your tools, and any materials. Check the label before use.
- Inspect before use. Look for cracked rungs, bent rails, or damaged feet. Never use a damaged ladder.
- Set the correct angle. The standard safe angle for an extension ladder is roughly 1 unit out for every 4 units up (a 75-degree angle). Too steep and it can tip backwards; too shallow and the feet can slip.
- Secure the top and bottom. Tie the top of the ladder to a fixed point where possible, and use rubber feet or a ladder standoff to prevent slipping at the base. Have a second person foot the ladder whenever you can.
- Extend above the roofline. The ladder should extend at least 1 metre above the point where you step off onto the roof, giving you something to hold as you transition.
- Three points of contact. Always maintain two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times. Don't carry heavy items up a ladder — use a tool belt or hoist.
Working Safely on the Roof
Once you're on the roof, the risks don't stop. Roof surfaces — especially older iron, wet tiles, or moss-covered surfaces — can be extremely slippery.
Use the Right Footwear
Wear soft-soled, rubber-grip shoes or boots. Avoid jandals, smooth-soled boots, or wet footwear.
Use a Roof Ladder or Crawl Board
A roof ladder (also called a crawl board or chicken ladder) hooks over the ridge and distributes your weight across multiple rafters, reducing the risk of falling through fragile roofing material and giving you a stable surface to work from. These can be hired from most tool hire shops.
Consider Fall Arrest Equipment
For anything beyond a quick inspection, consider using a safety harness and lanyard anchored to a suitable point. Temporary anchor systems are available for hire. This is particularly important on roofs with a steep pitch or where the fall distance is significant.
Watch the Weather
Never work on a roof in wet, windy, or icy conditions. Morning dew can make a roof just as slippery as rain. Check the forecast and wait for a dry, calm day.
Work with a Buddy
Always let someone know you're working at height, and ideally have another person present who can call for help if something goes wrong.
NZ Regulations and the Building Code
For professional roofing work, MBIE Building Performance sets out requirements under the NZ Building Code, including standards around weathertightness (Clause E2) and structural performance. Significant roofing work — such as reroofing or structural alterations — may require a building consent, so check with your local council before starting.
If your roofing work involves any electrical components (such as working near overhead lines or solar panel wiring), this is restricted electrical work that must be carried out by a registered electrician under the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Never work near live overhead lines — contact your lines company first.
Hiring vs DIY: A Quick Comparison
| Task | DIY Suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visual roof inspection (from ground or ladder) | Yes | Use binoculars from ground where possible |
| Clearing gutters (single storey) | With care | Use correct ladder setup, have a buddy |
| Replacing a few broken tiles | Possibly | Only if confident and properly equipped |
| Reroofing or structural work | No | Likely needs consent and licensed tradespeople |
| Work near electrical lines or solar wiring | No | Restricted work — licensed electrician required |
| Steep-pitch or multi-storey roof work | No | High fall risk — call a professional |
When to Call a Professional
Some roofing tasks are simply not worth the risk for a homeowner to attempt. Call a qualified roofer if:
- The roof pitch is steep or the roof is multi-storey
- You don't have access to appropriate safety equipment
- The job involves structural repairs, reroofing, or flashing work
- You're unsure about the condition of the roof structure
- The work may require a building consent
A licensed roofer will have the training, equipment, and insurance to do the job safely and to the required standard. You can find qualified, vetted roofing professionals in your area at tradedirectory.co.nz.