Key points at a glance
- Work at height must be planned so the risk of a fall is eliminated or minimised.
- Scaffolding higher than 5 metres must be erected, altered or dismantled by, or under the supervision of, a holder of a Certificate of Competence (scaffolding).
- Edge protection, guardrails, and fall-arrest systems must be selected to suit the job.
- Ladders should be a last resort for anything but short-duration, low-risk tasks.
Managing the risk of falls
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, a business (PCBU) must manage the risks of working at height so far as is reasonably practicable. The first step is to see whether the work can be done from the ground; if not, the risk of a fall must be eliminated or, where that is not possible, minimised.
WorkSafe’s good practice guidelines set out a preferred order of controls: work from an existing safe place, then use a total restraint or work-positioning system, then a work platform such as scaffolding or an elevating work platform, and only then a fall-arrest system or, as a last resort, a ladder for short, low-risk tasks.
Scaffolding and Certificates of Competence
Scaffolding that a person could fall 5 metres or more from must be erected, altered or dismantled by, or under the direct supervision of, a person who holds the relevant Certificate of Competence (CoC) for scaffolding. There are different CoC classes for the type and complexity of scaffold.
Scaffolds must be inspected before use and at regular intervals, and after any event (such as bad weather) that could affect their stability. Homeowners hiring scaffolding for a renovation should confirm the provider is competent and that the scaffold is tagged and inspected.
For homeowners
- For re-roofing, exterior painting or two-storey work, budget for proper scaffolding — it is a safety requirement, not an optional extra.
- Ask your contractor how they will manage working at height before work starts.
- Check that any scaffold on your property is tagged, inspected and put up by a competent installer.
For tradespeople
- Plan height work and choose the right control before you get to site.
- Ensure scaffolding over 5 metres is handled by a Certificate of Competence holder.
- Inspect and tag scaffolds, and keep records of inspections.
Downloadable documents
Free official guides and Acceptable Solutions (PDF) published by New Zealand government agencies.
Official sources
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