MEDIA RELEASE

October 24, 2007

Wind Warning for Workers

With gale force winds lashing the country this week, the Department of Labour is urging the construction industry to pay extra attention to securing site fencing and scaffolding and ensuring loose building materials are adequately protected.

In recent years the spring winds have seen an increase in complaints of temporary site fencing blowing over or becoming airborne, and incorrectly secured scaffolding ripping free in the face of the strong winds.

Bob Hill, the Chief Advisor for Safe and Healthy Workplaces, said the risk of injury for construction workers and members of the public increased significantly in strong winds.

"We're urging the whole industry to take extra care while the winds are this extreme. We've seen many near misses in the past with scaffolding and site fencing blowing free and there is a real potential for serious injury or worse."

While Wellington is famous for its wind, at this time of year all New Zealand towns and cities are being buffeted by severe gales.

"We've had complaints of wind related incidents in the construction sector from all over the country in recent years" says Mr Hill.

"From scaffolding being ripped off and dropped on a Wellington City street, site fencing collapsing on to a pavement in the Western Bay of Plenty, and numerous reports from all over the country of loose building materials being picked up and blown on to neighbouring properties - no area of New Zealand is immune."

"Builders need to take particular care when banners or signs are attached to scaffolding or site fencing as this increases the surface area the wind can catch on."

"It's not only workers who can be injured, innocent passers-by can also be in danger. It's important that particular care is taken while the winds are strong, even the smallest miscalculation can have significant consequences."

ENDS

© Scoop Media