Advisor Answers, issue two, May 2025

Welcome to the second issue of Advisor Answers – a summary of the top questions asked of our Safety Advisors over the past few months. We love sharing useful insights and information on a variety of topics with you.

Just a quick note: the advice and tips we offer here are meant to be general guidance. They aren’t tailored to any one person’s specific needs. Everyone's situation is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, we recommend chatting with a professional who can give you advice that's just right for you before making any big decisions based on what you read here.

I’ve been asked to work alone on a site in a remote area, are there any special things I should do?

Lone working in remote or hazardous environments presents unique challenges that require careful planning and risk management. It is the employer's (PCBU) responsibility to ensure that a thorough risk assessment is conducted to determine the nature of the work to be carried out and the potential for harm to the worker. Workers must be consulted during the risk assessment process.

From environmental risks and equipment failures to communication breakdowns and security threats, understanding these hazards and risks allows for proactive solutions, such as reliable tools, regular check-ins, and emergency preparedness. Comprehensive training, proper PPE, and mental health support further enhance worker resilience. By addressing these factors, you can mitigate risks for lone workers and maintain a safe, efficient working environment.

Identify lone working hazards

Consider the hazards and risks specific to the remote location and tasks, such as:

• Isolation: Delayed emergency response, lack of immediate assistance.
• Environmental risks: Extreme weather, terrain, wildlife, or hazardous substances.
• Equipment: Malfunctioning tools, lack of backup systems, or PPE inadequacy.
• Health risks: Fatigue, stress, medical conditions (e.g. allergies, epilepsy).
• Communication failures: Poor/no mobile signal, dead batteries.
• Security risks: Violence, trespassers, or animal encounters.

Evaluate the risks

Assess the likelihood and severity of harm for each hazard.

Examples

• High risk: Working with heavy machinery alone in a remote area without communication.
• Medium risk: Routine inspections in a low-risk environment with reliable check-ins.

Implement control measures

Use the hierarchy of controls (eliminate, isolate, minimise) to reduce risks, for example, eliminate by avoiding working alone if the task is inherently unsafe (e.g., confined space entry).

Training and competency

Ensuring worker safety and preparedness in remote or high-risk environments is essential for maintaining productivity and well-being. Effective risk management begins with comprehensive training, reliable communication systems, and access to well-maintained equipment. Establishing regular check-ins and emergency protocols ensures swift response to unforeseen challenges, while proper first aid training and survival gear contribute to overall safety. Mental and physical well-being must also be prioritised, with access to support systems and protective equipment suited for environmental conditions.

By proactively addressing these factors, workers can navigate demanding conditions with confidence and resilience

Worker training and knowledge

• Understand risks and control measures.
• Are trained to use equipment (e.g., GPS, radios, first aid).

Communication systems

• Reliable tools: Due to the potential lack of mobile coverage, use satellite phones, radios, or personal locator beacons (PLBs).
• Check-in schedule: Establish regular contact intervals with a designated contact person. Missed check-ins should trigger emergency protocols.

Emergency preparedness

• Have a clear plan:
  • Know emergency procedures for injuries, equipment failure, or environmental threats.
  • Share site coordinates and access routes with your contact.
• First Aid and Training:
  • Carry a comprehensive first aid kit
  • Ensure training in first aid, CPR, and emergency device usage.

Equipment and PPE

• Maintenance:
  • Verify that all tools, vehicles, and machinery are serviced.
  • Carry spares, fuel, and survival gear (e.g. shelter, water, and food).
• PPE Compliance: Use job-specific PPE (helmets, boots) and environmental gear (weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen).

Health and well-being

• Mental Health:
  • Manage stress through scheduled breaks and access to support services.
  • Inform your employer of the impacts of prolonged isolation.

Environmental awareness

• Weather/Terrain:
  • Check forecasts and understand local terrain.
  • Avoid high-risk areas during adverse conditions.
• Navigation Tools: Carry maps, compasses, or GPS devices as backups to electronic tools.

We are concerned about the reluctance of the main contractor to sign the Site-Specific Safety Plan (SSSP). How should we address this, and what is the significance of the main contractor's signature?

Under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), all PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) have overlapping duties to ensure health and safety. When PCBU1 (the main contractor) fails to sign and acknowledge PCBU2’s (the sub-contractor) site-specific safety plan (SSSP), this undermines the HSWA’s "shared responsibility" framework and exposes all parties to potential legal, financial, and operational consequences.

Legal Liability Under HSWA 2015

Breach of duty to consult, cooperate, and coordinate (Sections 34–36)

PCBUs working on the same site must consult and coordinate to manage shared risks. Refusing to acknowledge or sign PCBU2’s SSSP could be seen as a failure to comply with this duty. WorkSafe NZ may prosecute both PCBUs for failing to meet their "primary duty of care" (Section 36).

Increased liability for PCBU1

As the main contractor, PCBU1 has a more significant influence over the site. If it ignores PCBU2's safety plan, courts may deem PCBU1 primarily responsible for unmanaged risks.

Gaps in risk management

Uncontrolled hazards

PCBU2’s SSSP may identify hazards specific to their work, such as electrical risks, working at heights. If PCBU1 ignores it, these risks may not be integrated into the broader site safety plan, leading to accidents.

Conflicting safety protocols

Without coordination, PCBU1 and PCBU2 may implement incompatible safety measures (e.g., conflicting exclusion zones, permit systems), increasing the risk of incidents.

Insurance and contractual issues

Insurance voidance

Insurers may deny coverage if PCBU1 failed to follow due diligence (e.g., ignoring subcontractor safety plans).

Breach of contract

Construction contracts often require PCBUs to acknowledge and comply with each other’s safety plans. PCBU1’s refusal could lead to disputes, delays, or termination of contracts.

Reputational damage

Clients, regulators, and workers may view PCBU1 as negligent, harming future business opportunities.

Worker morale and safety Culture

Workers may feel unsafe or refuse to work if they perceive a lack of coordination between PCBUs.

WorkSafe NZ enforcement

WorkSafe can issue improvement notices or prohibition notices to halt work until coordination is demonstrated.

Enforceable undertakings

PCBU1 may be forced into costly corrective actions (e.g., retraining, audits) to avoid prosecution.

Scenario: When an incident occurs

If an incident happens (a worker injury and PCBU1 has ignored PCBU2’s SSSP:

Prosecution focus

Courts will ask, "Did PCBU1 take 'all reasonably practicable steps' to manage risks?". Ignoring PCBU2’s plan suggests they did not.

Shared liability

Both PCBUs may be fined, but PCBU1 (as the primary controller) will likely bear greater responsibility.