Department of Labour urges safe building sites over summer

The Department of Labour is urging builders to make sure sites are left secure before they depart for their summer break.

Health and Safety Chief Advisor David Tregoweth said sites could be an adventure playground for children. But they could also be extremely dangerous.

“There are real risks of children falling from heights, falling in holes, being impaled on reinforcing bars and nails.

“No parent should have to deal with their child being hurt or even killed because a building site was not securely fenced or locked up over the break.

“Even for a relatively minor injury, spending a few hours in a hospital accident and emergency ward is not the sort of experience anyone would enjoy.”

Mr Tregoweth said contractors should be aware of what is required. “Builders and principals must ensure their sites are safe and secure when they are unattended. Not doing so could have serious consequences.”

He said parents also had to a role in instructing children to keep away from construction sites.

Fencing requirements for building sites are covered by the New Zealand Building Code, Clause F5 Construction and Demolition Hazards.

The code is administered by local authorities, who inform contractors of these requirements at the time of issuing consents.