When WorkSafe arrives at your site
01
Identification and Introduction:
WorkSafe inspectors will identify themselves upon arrival and explain the purpose of their visit. They may present official identification badges or documents to confirm their authority.
03
Initial Meeting:
WorkSafe inspectors will likely request to meet with the site manager or person in charge to discuss the purpose of their visit and any specific concerns or areas of focus. This initial meeting provides an opportunity for the company to ask questions and clarify the inspection process.
02
Pre-Visit Communication:
In some cases, WorkSafe may provide advance notice of their visit to the construction site. This allows the site manager or responsible person to prepare necessary documentation and ensure that key personnel are available to assist with the inspection.
04
Documentation Review:
WorkSafe inspectors may review relevant documentation related to health and safety management at the construction site. This may include safety policies and procedures, risk assessments, incident reports, training records, and permits.
05
Site Walk-Through:
WorkSafe inspectors will conduct a comprehensive walk-through of the construction site to assess potential hazards and observe work practices. During this inspection, they may take photographs, measurements, and notes to document their findings.
WorkSafe may Interview your workers
01
Worker Interviews:
WorkSafe inspectors may speak with workers at the construction site to gather information about workplace conditions, safety practices, and any concerns or issues they may have. Worker interviews help inspectors gain insights into the effectiveness of health and safety measures implemented by the business.
03
Discussion of Findings:
After completing their inspection, WorkSafe inspectors will typically hold a debriefing session with the site manager or relevant personnel to discuss their findings. They will highlight any areas of non-compliance or safety deficiencies and provide recommendations for improvement.
02
Equipment Machinery Inspection:
Inspectors may examine construction equipment, machinery, and tools to ensure they are properly maintained, operated, and safeguarded. They may check for compliance with safety standards and regulations related to equipment use.
04
Issuance of Notices
Depending on the findings of the inspection, WorkSafe may issue improvement notices, prohibition notices, or enforcement actions to address identified hazards or non-compliance with health and safety regulations. These notices outline specific actions that the company must take to rectify the issues.
05
Site Walk-Through:
WorkSafe conducts follow-up inspections to verify corrective actions and ensure construction site compliance. Persistent non-compliance can lead to additional enforcement measures or penalties. Their aim is to assess safety practices, identify hazards, and collaborate with companies to enhance safety, preventing accidents and injuries.
What events need to be notified to WorkSafe NZ
01
What events need to be notified
Whenever certain significant incidents occur at work (known as notifiable events), it's crucial to inform the relevant authorities promptly. Below, you'll find an explanation of what steps a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) needs to take in case of a notifiable event and what types of incidents qualify as notifiable.
03
Who is the regulator?
The regulator could be WorkSafe New Zealand (WorkSafe) or another designated government agency overseeing health and safety regulations for specific types of work. For instance, Maritime New Zealand oversees ships and workplaces aboard ships, while the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulates work related to aircraft.
02
What should a PCBU do?
A PCBU must promptly notify the regulator upon becoming aware of a notifiable event arising from the business or undertaking's activities. This notification is vital for enabling immediate investigation into events resulting in death, serious injury, illness, or posing significant health and safety risks.
04
What constitutes a notifiable event?
A notifiable event encompasses:
-
Deaths
-
Notifiable illnesses or injuries
-
Notifiable incidents
These events must arise from work activities and may occur within or outside the workplace. It's important to note that only serious incidents warrant notification, triggering requirements to preserve the site, inform the regulator, and maintain records.
What is considered a notifiable illness or injury?
01
What is a notifiable injury?
These include severe work-related illnesses or injuries requiring immediate hospital admission or medical treatment within 48 hours of exposure to a harmful substance.
03
Steps to take if a notifiable event occurs:
Preserve the site: The PCBU managing or controlling the workplace must ensure the site of the event remains undisturbed, except under specific circumstances outlined in regulations.
02
What is a notifiable incident?
A notifiable incident refers to unplanned occurrences in the workplace posing serious risks to health and safety. These include events like substance leaks, explosions, collapses, or other incidents designated by regulations.
04
Notify the regulator:
The PCBU must inform the regulator as soon as possible, even if emergency services are involved. One PCBU can be nominated to notify the regulator if multiple PCBUs are involved.
05
What happens after notification?
WorkSafe assesses each notification to determine further actions, which may include investigations or assisting the duty-holder in reviewing their health and safety systems. While the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 doesn't explicitly mandate investigations, conducting inquiries into notifiable events is considered best practice for risk management.
What events need to be notified to WorkSafe NZ
01
What events need to be notified
Whenever certain significant incidents occur at work (known as notifiable events), it's crucial to inform the relevant authorities promptly. Below, you'll find an explanation of what steps a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) needs to take in case of a notifiable event and what types of incidents qualify as notifiable.
03
Who is the regulator?
The regulator could be WorkSafe New Zealand (WorkSafe) or another designated government agency overseeing health and safety regulations for specific types of work. For instance, Maritime New Zealand oversees ships and workplaces aboard ships, while the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulates work related to aircraft.
02
What should a PCBU do?
A PCBU must promptly notify the regulator upon becoming aware of a notifiable event arising from the business or undertaking's activities. This notification is vital for enabling immediate investigation into events resulting in death, serious injury, illness, or posing significant health and safety risks.
04
What constitutes a notifiable event?
A notifiable event encompasses:
-
Deaths
-
Notifiable illnesses or injuries
-
Notifiable incidents
These events must arise from work activities and may occur within or outside the workplace. It's important to note that only serious incidents warrant notification, triggering requirements to preserve the site, inform the regulator, and maintain records.
What is considered a notifiable illness or injury?
01
What is a notifiable injury?
These include severe work-related illnesses or injuries requiring immediate hospital admission or medical treatment within 48 hours of exposure to a harmful substance.
03
Steps to take if a notifiable event occurs:
Preserve the site: The PCBU managing or controlling the workplace must ensure the site of the event remains undisturbed, except under specific circumstances outlined in regulations.
02
What is a notifiable incident?
A notifiable incident refers to unplanned occurrences in the workplace posing serious risks to health and safety. These include events like substance leaks, explosions, collapses, or other incidents designated by regulations.
04
Notify the regulator:
The PCBU must inform the regulator as soon as possible, even if emergency services are involved. One PCBU can be nominated to notify the regulator if multiple PCBUs are involved.
05
What happens after notification?
WorkSafe assesses each notification to determine further actions, which may include investigations or assisting the duty-holder in reviewing their health and safety systems. While the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 doesn't explicitly mandate investigations, conducting inquiries into notifiable events is considered best practice for risk management.
WorkSafe Advice for your construction site
01
Is it illegal to use a 3-step ladder or a saw stool?
The Health and Safety at Work Act does not explicitly prohibit the use of three-step ladders or saw stools. However, it mandates strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines and emphasises the need for employers to minimise fall risks. For low-risk tasks, a three-step ladder can be deemed suitable.
02
Do I need to be harnessed or use full scaffolding if I work above 800mm?
The Health and Safety at Work Act does not establish a specific height threshold. Instead, it focuses on assessing the likelihood and consequences of falls. Employers have a range of options, including podium ladders and safety nets, based on thorough risk assessments.
03
Do I have to spend $3,500 on scaffolding for every job over 2.4 meters?
While costs for fall prevention systems may vary, typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,500 for single-story homes, efficiency gains from utilising full scaffolding may offset expenses. Nevertheless, alternatives such as edge protection systems can also effectively mitigate fall risks.
04
Can I use my saw horse as a working platform?
Generally, saw horses are not recognised as safe work platforms unless specifically designed and manufactured for that purpose. For enhanced safety, consider utilising appropriate access equipment such as podium steps.
WorkSafe Advice for your construction site
01
What is a notifiable injury?
Yes, irrespective of a dwelling's height, the same level of protection against falls is mandated. Employers must ensure that edge protection is installed as necessary to prevent any potential falls.
03
Can I walk on the top plate without fall protection?
No, it is essential to have suitable fall protection measures in place when working from external wall top plates. This includes planning for safe working platforms such as scaffolding or safety nets.
02
Can ceiling battens
provide fall protection?
No, ceiling battens are not intended for fall protection and may pose serious risks of injury if utilised as such.
04
What is the maximum height for using a ladder?
Although there is no specific height limit, it is crucial to select appropriate access equipment for tasks. Ladders should be reserved for low-risk, short-duration tasks, with careful
consideration given to safety measures and compliance with AS/NZS 1892.1 guidelines.