This safety alert highlights the serious health and safety risks for workers when using safety net systems that may not have been tested to a recognised standard by an accredited testing body.
What we know
Safety net systems are used in residential and commercial construction as a control to reduce the likelihood of harm if a worker falls from height.
The Health and Safety at Work Act places a duty on importers and suppliers of safety net systems to ensure that the nets that they are importing and supplying have been tested to ensure that it performs. WorkSafe New Zealand accepts testing to a recognised safety net standard, such as BS EN 1263.1, and that all reasonably practicable steps are taken to ensure that this testing has been undertaken by an accredited testing body.
WorkSafe notes that the testing and resulting documentation provdied by overseas testing bodies can be difficult to verify and, in some instances, be fraudulent.
What are your duties as an importer or supplier of safety net systems?
In addition to your primary duty of care, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 you must also:
- make sure the safety nets you import do not create health and safety risks to the people that use them
- make sure the safety nets you import have been tested to a recognised standard, such as BS EN 1263.1, so they are safe for use in a workplace
- give the following information to those you provide your safety nets to:
- the results of calculations and tests
- any general and current relevant information or conditions about how to safely use, handle, store, install, inspect, maintain, repair, or otherwise work with the products you have imported.
WorkSafe advice
Ensure that you have completed all necessary due diligence on the safety net and safety net manufacturer from which you are importing from.
Ensure that any testing and certification of the safety net is carried out in accordance with BS EN 1263.1, or an equivalent standard that gives similar or better outcomes for safety, by an accredited testing body.
If you have any doubt regarding the testing or certification of the safety net, including verification, engage the services of a New Zealand based reputable third party to undertake additional testing to demonstrate conformance with a recognised safety net standard.
Guidance
This best practice guideline outlines safety net requirements and the safe use of safety nets
Working at height in New Zealand
This good practice guide will provide practical guidance to employers, contractors, employees and all others engaged in work associated with working at height.
This safety alert highlights the serious health and safety risks for workers when using poorly installed safety nets.
