Safety Harness Systems

Who should attend

This course is for anyone who:

• Works at height using a safety harness system under supervision.

If you are renewing your Site Safety Card and have done this course in the past, you may register for the Advanced Safety Harness Systems course if your role is to supervise others working at height. You may consider repeating this course if you wish to refresh your skills in working at heights and renew your card. You can also choose another course to refresh your card if you are not looking to refresh your working at height skills.

Renew your Site Safety Card

What you'll learn

This height safety training course is the first step in Site Safe's safety harness systems training pathway.

• Identify hazards associated with working at height, understand safety harnesses and associated systems and equipment.
• Understand hazards associated with wearing a safety harness and associated equipment.
• Check and fit a safety harness system.
• Understand what’s required in a rescue plan to be activated in the event of a fall.
• Employ a safety harness system where a fall hazard exists at height.

During the course, you'll undertake an assessment that has been designed to meet the criteria of unit standard 23229.

Please note: to attend this course, learners must be physically able to take part in practical height activities. Learners must also wear closed footwear on the course.

If you pass, you will be issued a digital Site Safety Card, valid for 2 years.

What you'll get

On completion of the course requirements, you’ll receive:

• A Site Safety Card, valid for 2 years. Most major New Zealand contractors require workers to have a valid Site Safety Card before entering a construction site.
• 8 Licensed Building Practitioner points.
• 4 credits towards our Health and Safety in Construction certificate programme.
• Unit Standard 23229 – Use a safety harness for personal fall prevention when working at height.
• A downloadable and printable e-certificate.

Note: If you have done this course before, you can only achieve the Unit Standards once.

Next learning steps

You must complete a Site Safe course every two years to keep your Site Safety Card valid. Any Site Safe course will renew your card.

However, if you need to refresh your skills in working at heights and renew your card, you can retake this course or opt for the Advanced Safety Harness Systems course if you supervise others working at heights.

You'll need to complete another Site Safe course every 2 years to keep your Site Safety Card current. Select from our courses that suit your role.

This course is the first step in Site Safe's safety harness systems training pathway. After completing this course, learners may progress to the Advanced Safety Harness Systems course if their role involves supervising others working at height.

Site Safe also offers a range of learning pathways across foundation, intermediate, technical and leadership levels, helping workers continue developing their health and safety capability over time.

Renew your Site Safety Card

Interested in enrolling into the Health & Safety in Construction Programme?

Health and Safety in Construction certificate programme

Language, Cancellations, Refunds and FAQ's

If English is your second language

To complete this course, you need to be able to read and understand English.

Other courses, languages and regions are available on request – or we may be able to provide you an interpreter or allow you to bring your own interpreter.

Contact us to find out more

If you miss the course

If you would like to know more about refunds when a course is missed, refer to our Terms and Conditions.

Cancellations and refunds

You can cancel or change a booking 5 working days before the start of the course. If you cancel more than 5 days before the start of the course, you will receive a credit on your account to be used within 12 months, or you (or your employer, if they paid for the course) can request a refund:

• Download the Refund Request Form

Within 5 working days of the course starting, you can transfer your seat to another person from the same company. If you cancel, you or your employer will not get a refund.

Changes and cancellations can be made through your account, or through your employer if they booked you on the course.

View our Frequently Asked Questions.

FAQ's

Is a harness enough to make working at height safe?

No. A harness is one part of a broader safety system and must be used alongside proper planning and controls.

Do I still need training if I use a MEWP?

Yes. MEWPs reduce risk but still require safe operation and awareness of height hazards.

Is this only for large commercial sites?

No. Height risks exist on projects of all sizes.

Are edge protection and harness systems interchangeable?

No. The correct control depends on the task and site conditions. In many situations, controls such as edge protection, MEWPs, or other fall prevention measures may be considered before using a safety harness system.

Is this just compliance training?

No. The course is practical and focused on real-world applications.

Who should take this training?

Anyone working at height or supervising work where fall risks are present.

Why Choose Site Safe?

• Established in 1999
• Industry-backed and not-for-profit
• Trusted across New Zealand construction
• Practical, site-focused training approach
• Classroom-based, practical training delivered by experienced trainers
• Part of a wider safety training ecosystem

Site Safe supports thousands of learners every year through practical height safety training designed for real construction environments.