The Government is launching a major consultation with the construction industry aimed at simplifying health and safety rules, particularly around scaffolding and prequalification processes.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the initiative as part of broader reforms to boost productivity and reduce unnecessary compliance costs in the sector.
Van Velden said she had heard from industry professionals that current scaffolding regulations are overly complex and often interpreted to require scaffolding in all situations, regardless of actual risk. “Over-compliance needlessly drags down construction productivity, increasing building time and costs for the sector,” she said. New rules will introduce a risk-based approach, allowing for safer, more practical alternatives—such as ladders or harnesses—where appropriate.
In parallel, the Government is tackling the burden of prequalification systems, which vary widely and cost businesses significant time and money. “Some businesses have walked away from contracts because the cost of getting prequalified isn’t worth it,” van Velden noted. WorkSafe has been tasked with revising national guidance, including the creation of free templates to improve consistency.
The reforms will also clarify overlapping safety duties on construction sites, with WorkSafe developing an Approved Code of Practice to reduce confusion and limit unnecessary prequalifications. A review of scaffolding certificate categories and fees is also underway to better align qualifications with on-the-job competence and current industry needs.
“These changes are about cutting red tape, improving safety outcomes, and helping Kiwi businesses work smarter,” van Velden said.
Daily Telegraph New Zealand (DTNZ) is an independent news website, first published in October 2021. - where this article was sourced.
Van Velden said she had heard from industry professionals that current scaffolding regulations are overly complex and often interpreted to require scaffolding in all situations, regardless of actual risk. “Over-compliance needlessly drags down construction productivity, increasing building time and costs for the sector,” she said. New rules will introduce a risk-based approach, allowing for safer, more practical alternatives—such as ladders or harnesses—where appropriate.
In parallel, the Government is tackling the burden of prequalification systems, which vary widely and cost businesses significant time and money. “Some businesses have walked away from contracts because the cost of getting prequalified isn’t worth it,” van Velden noted. WorkSafe has been tasked with revising national guidance, including the creation of free templates to improve consistency.
The reforms will also clarify overlapping safety duties on construction sites, with WorkSafe developing an Approved Code of Practice to reduce confusion and limit unnecessary prequalifications. A review of scaffolding certificate categories and fees is also underway to better align qualifications with on-the-job competence and current industry needs.
“These changes are about cutting red tape, improving safety outcomes, and helping Kiwi businesses work smarter,” van Velden said.
Daily Telegraph New Zealand (DTNZ) is an independent news website, first published in October 2021. - where this article was sourced.
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