Falls from heights are an ongoing concern in the New Zealand workplace, particularly in the construction industry.
While current measures and legislation aim to reduce the risk, there’s a need for innovative solutions to further enhance safety.
In this article, we’ll explore the state of falls in the New Zealand workplace, the existing legislation, efforts to address this issue, and how our temporary void platform is transforming workplace safety.
Falls in the New Zealand Workplace
In New Zealand, slip, trip, and fall (STF) incidents, particularly those from heights, are a leading cause of workplace injuries, especially in the residential construction sector. These incidents often occur while working on ladders, scaffolding, and roofs, with slipping as the most common cause and loss of balance as a key contributing factor.
WorkSafe New Zealand data reveals the extent of the issue. Falls from heights significantly contribute to workplace accidents, particularly in the construction sector. Roof work, in particular, poses a significant fall risk, making it a focal point for safety efforts.
Slipping on wet or uneven surfaces, inadequate safety measures and adverse weather conditions compound these risks. Additionally, loss of balance due to sudden movements, heavy equipment handling, or working on unstable structures plays a pivotal role in these incidents.
Current Legislation and Safety Measures
WorkSafe New Zealand, as the government agency responsible for workplace safety, has been actively advocating safety measures and regulations to mitigate fall risks. Their initiatives include providing guidelines for fall protection systems and emphasising the use of appropriate safety equipment.
The existing legislation in New Zealand primarily centres on fall protection procedures, which include using covers, guardrails, safety nets, personal fall-arrest systems, and warning-line systems.
While these measures are fundamental for ensuring safety, they may not always be practical, particularly in the dynamic and rapidly changing construction industry. It’s in these scenarios that Voideck presents an innovative solution.
Introducing Voideck: A game changer
VOIDECK® is a groundbreaking solution designed to provide a secure working platform, effectively preventing falls from void areas. This temporary void platform allows unobstructed access throughout the construction process, making it suitable for residential and commercial applications.
Engineered, manufactured, and engineer-certified in New Zealand, it eliminates fall zones from upper-level floors and floor pits, significantly enhancing worksite safety standards within the construction industry. This modular system can be customised to eliminate fall risks from void zones of any shape or size.
Introduced to the New Zealand market in 2019, VOIDECK® has earned multiple awards for its innovative design and safety features. In Australia, VOIDECK® has made a significant impact, successfully preventing falls from void areas on construction sites which led to plans for international expansion.
Need Void Protection?
Our modular system offers a safe working platform that eradicates fall hazards, ensuring the well-being of workers and the success of construction projects.
For more information or inquiries, please contact us at 0274 443 463 or franchising@voideck.co.nz. Your commitment to safety is the cornerstone of a secure and successful workplace.
