Scaffolding rules that make sense

Yesterday, I announced further changes to make life easier for builders and tradies.

We’re cutting red tape, simplifying processes, and ensuring WorkSafe is there to support you, not to micromanage you.

These changes respond directly to what I heard as Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety on my nationwide roadshow: tradies want practical, risk-based health and safety rules that support getting the job done safely and efficiently.

Simplifying health and safety prequalification

One of the most common frustrations I heard was around prequalification. Many businesses told me they’re stuck completing different prequalification processes for different clients. One person told me they did 76 in a year. This comes at significant cost.

I’ve listened, and I’m acting.

WorkSafe has been directed to revise its prequalification guidance with industry, including free-to-use templates to bring consistency and clarity across the board.

I’ve also asked WorkSafe to develop an Approved Code of Practice to clarify overlapping duties. The current ambiguity may be encouraging unnecessary prequalifications in low-risk situations. Clearer guidance will help businesses understand when and how they need to coordinate to manage risks, without adding paperwork for the sake of it.

Scaffolding rules that make sense

I’ve also heard concerns about scaffolding rules being overly rigid and costly. The current approach has encouraged blanket use of scaffolding regardless of the actual risk involved.

This over-compliance slows down jobs, increases costs, and doesn’t necessarily make workers safer.

We’ll soon consult on a new approach that lets tradies choose the right tool for the job, whether that’s scaffolding, a ladder, or a harness, depending on the level of risk.

For example, officials will be testing whether simple tasks like gutter repairs or minor electrical maintenance could be safely carried out using a ladder, instead of requiring full scaffolding. These changes aim to reduce unnecessary cost and speed up work.

I encourage you to share your thoughts what changes you think are needed by emailing HSWHaveYourSay@mbie.govt.nz 

Access to more building products

A separate change that came into force yesterday unlocked access to thousands of additional building products including plasterboard, cladding systems, doors, and windows that can now be more easily used on New Zealand job sites.

This change came from the Building and Construction Minister and is longstanding ACT policy. 

In opposition, I pushed strongly for this change. It means lower costs, greater choice, and access to safe, proven products already used in countries like Australia. We’re fortunate in ACT to have Parliament’s only licensed builder, Cameron Luxton, who continues to be a strong advocate for practical reforms for the trades. Cameron spoke about those changes here.

These are just the latest steps in ACT’s broader plan to restore common sense to health and safety and support the people who keep New Zealand building.

As always, I welcome feedback from those working in the trades about what we can do to make your life easier.