Excavation safety

Guidelines for managing the health and safety risks associated with excavation work.

Excavation safety (May 2014)

Trade breakfast for those carrying out excavations, or working close to them, and in particular, those people working on the Canterbury rebuild

A to Z topics and industries

Health and safety information and resources by topic and industry that you can apply in your workplace

Consultations

Whether you‘re a representative from a large organisation, a self-employed contractor or an interested member of the public, your views are important to us and we encourage you to have your say.

Excavation

News and media

We produce a range of information to keep you informed about our work. Here you can access our latest media releases, newsletters, bulletins and safety alerts.

Construction industry presentations

Presentations and videos from our construction industry seminars, trade breakfasts and information sessions

Publications and resources

We produce a range of publications and resources to help you understand and manage the risks associated with your business. You can browse by topic, industry and type of resource

10.0 Controlling ground instability in excavations

Health and safety at opencast mines, alluvial mines and quarries

These good practice guidelines give practical advice on health and safety control measures at opencast mines, alluvial mines and quarries.

6.0 Planning safe excavations

Introduction to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 – special guide

A guide to New Zealand’s key work health and safety law and its regulator.

Tikanga approach to health and safety builds a stronger business

James Fruean, of Wellington Pipelines, used to see health and safety as a ‘drag’. Today it’s a passion, with an approach based on tikanga principles boosting productivity through a strongly engaged workforce.

Empowering workers to become health and safety leaders

No-one gets more than a few steps onto the Wellington Pipelines worksite before someone appears, iPad in hand, to take you through
the safety induction kōrero.

18.0 Introduction to managing safety for road and roadside workers

Crane safety for construction site managers and supervisors - fact sheet

As a site manager/supervisor you are responsible for coordinating health and safety on the construction site. This means you need to have an overview of all the activities happening on site. You also need to check that hazards are identified and controlled. This fact sheet provides information about the dangers associated with cranes and the steps to take to monitor crane safety.

What events need to be notified?

Find out which work-related illnesses, injuries and incidents need to be notified to WorkSafe

Part C – Planning and design

This part of the guide provides guidance for designing safety into extractives operations. It describes in detail how to plan excavations, tips, ponds, dams, roads and vehicle operating areas.

Maintenance of trees around powerlines

This approved code of practice trees describes minimum standards and preferred work practices for work on trees near power lines.

Position statement - tunnelling operations

This position statement clarifies the tunnelling operations that WorkSafe considers are within the scope of the Health and Safety at Work (Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations) Regulations 2016 [the mining regulations]. It also lays out the operations the High Hazards Unit Extractives will focus on.

Consultation on proposed extractives industry Certificate of Competence requirements

Construction

Information around site safety, working at height, noise, scaffolding, and essential toolkits.

Appendix A: Glossary

Electricity outdoors

Take special care around electricity outdoors. Whether you are working or playing near it, or using electrical equipment, it is important to be aware of the dangers. Make sure you maintain safe clearances when working on ladders and check for underground wires before you dig.

Changing a lifetime A-grade quarry manager’s CoC to a B-grade CoC

WorkSafe New Zealand has agreed that holders of a lifetime A-grade quarry manager’s certificate of competence (CoC) may, upon application, be granted a B-grade quarry manager’s CoC.

Mobile elevating work platforms

This good practice guideline outlines requirements when working with mobile elevating work platforms.

Positive worker engagement on the Rydges airport hotel development

Positive worker engagement is at the heart of Wellington International Airport’s major new hotel construction project.