Working at heights is one of the leading causes of serious workplace accidents in New Zealand. From scaffolding and construction sites to roof maintenance, the risks are high - but the right harness safety training can make all the difference.

As a site manager, you’re responsible for ensuring workers have the skills, equipment, and confidence to work safely at height. Here’s what you need to know about harness safety, the legal requirements, and how ACT Safety can help.

The Risks of Working at Heights in NZ

According to WorkSafe NZ, falls from height remain a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. Many of these accidents involve incorrect use of safety gear or a lack of harness safety awareness.

Common risks include:

• Falls from ladders, scaffolds, or elevated platforms
• Harnesses not fitted or inspected correctly
• Inadequate anchor points or fall arrest systems
• No emergency or rescue planning

Poor harness safety practices don’t just endanger workers - they expose businesses to costly delays, fines, and reputational damage.

Legal Requirements for Harness Safety

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) requires PCBUs to minimise or eliminate the risk of falls. For site managers, this means:

• Ensuring staff complete competency - based harness safety training
• Providing properly maintained harnesses, anchor points, and lifelines
• Supervising staff to ensure safe use of fall protection equipment

Failure to comply with WorkSafe NZ standards can result in serious penalties.

What Effective Harness Safety Training Should Cover

A good working at heights course in NZ always includes dedicated harness safety modules. Training should cover:

• Harness inspection and fitting - recognising wear, damage, and ensuring a correct fit
• Fall arrest systems - how to use lanyards, inertia reels, and shock absorbers
• Anchor points and lifelines - safe connection points and correct setup
• Rescue planning - preparing for emergencies if a fall occurs
• Refresher training - keeping knowledge current and skills sharp

ACT Safety’s Harness Safety & Height Training

ACT Safety delivers industry - approved training across New Zealand to meet WorkSafe NZ standards. Our courses include:

• Basic Harness Safety - perfect for new staff or those who occasionally work at height
• Advanced Height Safety - covering complex scenarios on high - risk job sites
• Refresher Training - ensuring staff remain compliant and confident

Training can be delivered nationwide, with options for classroom, on - site, or blended learning.

Why Site Managers Should Prioritise Harness Safety

For site managers, ensuring harness safety isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes - it’s about protecting people.

By investing in proper training, you:

• Reduce the risk of life - threatening falls
• Stay compliant with HSWA and WorkSafe NZ regulations
• Build a safety - first culture on site
• Protect your business reputation and reduce costly downtime

Falls from height remain one of New Zealand’s most dangerous workplace risks, but with proper harness safety training, they can be prevented.

ACT Safety’s courses give workers the skills to use fall protection equipment correctly, while giving site managers confidence their teams are safe, compliant, and capable.