Golden Homes ‘leads the way’ with new Workdek safety platform
Golden Homes, described as one of New Zealand’s leading group home builders, has announced what the company says is a “significant new initiative aimed at enhancing worker safety on all building sites across the country”.
Shane Helms, CEO of Golden Homes says the move underscores the company’s commitment to the health and welfare of its workforce.
“We are incorporating safety platforms on all future building projects,” says Helms.
“Golden Homes recognises that the number of falls from heights accidents in the construction sector in New Zealand is unacceptable and needs to be addressed. As a primary PCBU [person conducting a business or undertaking], it is our responsibility to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect the health and welfare of all workers on Golden Homes sites across the country.
“Having the opportunity to eliminate the risk of internal falls through the use of safety platforms feels like the right thing to do. We are also expecting to see a reduction in repetitive strain-type injuries on our sites as well.”
Construction sites in New Zealand are the most hazardous work environments in the country, with 37 fatalities recorded in the construction sector over the five years from 2018 – 2023. The residential sector accounts for the highest injury rates. New Zealand’s construction sector also ranks poorly in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with a rolling average of 3.82 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to 2.10 in Australia and 1.47 in the UK.
Research from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment shows that over half of falls on construction sites occur from heights under three metres, with 70% involving ladders and roofs. The financial impact of these falls is estimated at $24 million annually, alongside significant disruption to workplaces and the human toll on workers and their families.
Helms emphasises the importance of this decision, stating, and the incorporation of safety platforms on Golden Homes sites is expected to have a significant impact not only on worker safety but also on overall site productivity.
“By reducing the risk of falls and other injuries, workers can operate in a safer, more secure environment, allowing them to focus on their tasks with greater confidence and efficiency. This initiative aligns with Golden Homes’ broader commitment to innovation, quality, and care in every aspect of its business,” says Helms.
“As one of New Zealand’s most trusted home builders, Golden Homes has a long-standing reputation for delivering quality homes that meet the highest standards. This latest move to enhance site safety further solidifies our position as an industry leader dedicated to the well-being of its employees and contractors.”
Golden Homes has partnered with Workdek, a New Zealand-designed and manufactured solution that has been tailored specifically to meet the unique demands of local building methods.
“The partnership with Workdek is a strategic move to ensures that the safety measures implemented are not only effective but also seamlessly integrated into the construction process,” says Helms, with Workdek supporting Golden Homes to incorporate safety platforms into the companies building method statements.
David Grigor, founder of Workdek, is excited at the partnership’s potential, “We are delighted to be partnering with the Golden Homes teams across the country. Our safety platforms have been developed with New Zealand’s building methods in mind, and we are confident that they will play a key role in enhancing site safety and reducing workplace injuries.”
Workdek platforms are available nationwide through a network of franchise partners, ensuring that Golden Homes’ sites across New Zealand will have easy access to this critical safety equipment. The platforms are designed to prevent internal falls — a leading cause of serious injury on construction sites — by providing a stable and secure working environment at all stages of the building process.
Golden Homes and Workdek are rolling out the new safety platforms across all construction sites, with the expectation that they will be fully integrated into all new projects moving forward.
Sponsored content: For more information email info@workdek.com or phone 027 280 8800.