Setting a new standard for construction health and safety

Setting a new standard for construction health and safety

The Construction Safety Council aims to improve the health and safety performance of the New Zealand construction industry through the launch of a new competency scheme.

On 4 April 2016 the Construction Safety Council will launch Tier One of the ConstructSafe scheme.

ConstructSafe provides a consistent and transparent way to independently check the competency of any worker, trade specialist, supervisor, or manager on site, regardless of their employer. It seeks to provide reassurance that those working on site are competent and safe.

David Kelly, Chairperson for the Construction Safety Council says, “We believe that everyone deserves to work in a healthy and safe environment. That’s why the Council is focused on improving the health and safety performance of our industry. We’re working collaboratively with our industry to make this happen through the ConstructSafe scheme”.

The ConstructSafe scheme is the first of its kind in New Zealand. It is based on international best-practice frameworks and sets a benchmark for health and safety competency.

Anyone can take the interactive test at an accredited ConstructSafe test centre. A ConstructSafe card is issued to those who successfully pass the test so they can prove that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out work safely. Anyone can then check a ConstructSafe card for free using a mobile device, providing instant verification of competency.

David comments, “The feedback we’ve had from those who have undertaken the Tier One trial has been positive - from large physical works projects such as the City Rail Link in Auckland, through to smaller residential builders. It’s an exciting time for the construction industry; we’ve got a real opportunity to lift our game and make sure all our people go home safe every day.”

The ConstructSafe scheme was developed with input from safety professionals across the construction sector. There are four tiers to the scheme: (1) general site worker, (2) trade specific, (3) supervisory, and (4) managerial levels. ConstructSafe Tier One will launch on 4 April 2016. The following Tier levels are under development and are scheduled for release in late 2016.

The scheme is delivered by the Construction Safety Council.

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