Working at Heights: It Only Takes One Fall
It's not how high you fall – it's whether you're protected.
Whether you're working on a roof, climbing a ladder, using scaffolding or carrying out maintenance above ground level, working at height comes with risks that should never be underestimated.
It might be a quick job. Something you've done a hundred times before. But all it takes is one slip, one unstable ladder or one missing safety measure for things to go seriously wrong.
Falls from height can cause life-changing injuries. WorkSafe New Zealand's guidance is clear: the risk of falling must be managed, and prevention should be prioritised.
Did you know you need to manage the risk of falling at a set height.
One common misconception is that fall protection is only required when working above a set height. That's not the case. The risks of falling need to be managed regardless of height, including where a fall from a lower level could cause serious harm.
The important question isn't simply 'How high are you working?' It's 'What could happen if someone falls, and what are we doing to prevent it?'
Five things to consider before working at height
1. Plan the job before you start
Identify the hazards, assess the risks and consider whether the work can be completed safely from the ground. Planning also means allowing enough time, people and resources for the job.
2. Choose the right safety controls
Eliminate the need to work at height where reasonably practicable. If that is not possible, prioritise suitable fall-prevention measures such as scaffolding, edge protection or an appropriate elevated work platform. Personal fall-protection systems are not a substitute for considering better controls first.
3. Check your equipment
Make sure ladders, platforms, harnesses, anchor points and other equipment are suitable, maintained and inspected as required. Never assume equipment is safe just because it was used previously.
4. Make sure your team is competent
Workers need suitable information, instruction, training and supervision for the tasks they undertake. Practical skills and safe decision-making matter as much as a certificate.
5. Be ready if something goes wrong
Think through emergency arrangements before work begins. Where fall-arrest systems are used, workers need an effective and timely rescue plan—not simply a plan to call emergency services.
Safety isn't just about ticking a box
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, businesses must manage health and safety risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Workers also have responsibilities to take reasonable care and follow reasonable safety instructions.
At Training 4 Safety, we believe training should be about more than receiving a certificate. It's about recognising hazards, understanding what good controls look like and having the confidence to speak up when something doesn't look right.
Our competency-based Heights Safety Awareness training supports workers to build practical knowledge and understanding. We offer public courses at our Whangārei facility, as well as company-specific training options.
One fall can change everything. Make sure your team is prepared.
If your team works on ladders, roofs, scaffolding or elevated platforms, now is a good time to review your safety practices and training needs.
Stay safe. Work smart. Get trained.
Or contact Training 4 Safety to discuss a course for your workplace.
References and further reading
WorkSafe NZ – Working at Height in New Zealand: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/working-at-height/working-at-height-in-nz/
WorkSafe NZ – Providing Information, Training, Instruction or Supervision for Workers: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/managing-health-and-safety/businesses/general-requirements-for-workplaces/providing-information-training-instruction-or-supervision-for-workers/
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2015/0070/latest/DLM5976660.html
