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Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities on New Zealand worksites. Installing the right fall protection system is not just about meeting ever-changing health and safety standards and compliance regulations; it is a critical decision that directly impacts worker safety and well-being.

In this guide, we explain the key differences between fall restraint, fall arrest, and broader fall protection strategies. You'll learn which systems are most appropriate for different work environments, how to meet New Zealand standards, and how to choose the safest option for your site.

The below ACC data shows the significant number of falls, associated costs, and the wider impacts within New Zealand. 

Source: ACC Statistics

What Is Fall Protection?

Fall protection is a broad umbrella term that covers all strategies and methods used to prevent or reduce the impact of falls from height. These strategies range from “passive” systems like guardrails and walkways to “active” systems such as harnesses and anchor points. 

Previously in the height safety industry, systems were often considered to be either a “fall restraint” system, which were systems designed to stop the individual being able to fall (i.e. guardrails, walkways, fixed lanyards etc), or a “fall arrest” system, which were systems designed to minimise the impacts of a fall (i.e. harnesses, anchor points, shock absorbers). Now, however, the industry places less emphasis on the distinction, as all systems must ultimately be capable of arresting a fall. 

New Zealand worksites and organisational fall protection strategies should be designed in line with the hierarchy of controls. This means the priority should be on elimination or isolation of the hazard before relying on personal protective equipment (PPE). Wherever possible, the risk of falling should be removed entirely.

PASSIVE FALL PROTECTION: THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE

Where possible, passive systems are the preferred height safety option. These systems require no user interaction or operation from the worker and provide constant protection while work is being completed.

For example, guardrails are a simple yet highly effective measure that physically prevent access to edges, while walkway systems help guide workers along safe routes on rooftops or elevated platforms. These are systems that make it physically impossible to fall, assuming the user uses them appropriately, i.e., doesn’t climb over the guardrail.

Passive systems are highly reliable and considered best practice under New Zealand’s health and safety regulations, especially for long-term or frequently accessed sites.

ACTIVE FALL PROTECTION: MANAGING RISK WHEN HAZARDS CAN'T BE AVOIDED

There are many instances when passive systems are not feasible, e.g., the design of a building or the nature of the work. Active systems require workers to engage with equipment and take specific actions to ensure their safety. This introduces more variables, which is why training, supervision, and a detailed rescue plan are critical.

Active fall protection includes equipment such as full-body harnesses, shock-absorbing lanyards, anchor points, and horizontal or vertical lifelines. These systems are designed to restrain a worker from reaching a fall hazard or to arrest a fall that has already begun.

These systems are typically used on roofs, access towers, and when working near the edges of buildings. Because they allow for greater mobility, they are often essential for trades such as roofers, building wash contractors and maintenance contractors. However, they also demand more planning and monitoring.

The successful use of active systems depends on ensuring workers are trained, anchor points are certified, and all gear is regularly inspected. A rescue plan must be in place before any work begins to ensure a prompt and safe recovery in the event of a fall.

PASSIVE FALL PROTECTION VS. ACTIVE FALL ARREST: WHICH SHOULD YOU USE?

Choosing between Passive and Active Fall Protection depends on several factors.

• How often the area's access is required
• Nature of the work being conducted
• Competence of the personnel accessing the site
• Whether alternative, safer access methods are available, such as elevated work platforms (EWPs)

If a hazard can be eliminated or isolated through design or engineering, this should always be the first course of action. PPE-based systems like fall arrest harnesses should only be used when higher-level controls are not feasible.

ENGINEERED SYSTEMS THAT OFFER FLEXIBILITY

All fall arrest safety systems should be designed for the user to be able to work in a restraint where possible. Examples include:

• Horizontal static line systems, which allow continuous attachment along a work area.
• Individual anchor points, which, when positioned correctly, will allow a worker to access areas while working in restraint.
• Overhead rail systems, used in tight spaces or where low fall clearances exist. These systems are excellent for manufacturing facilities, machinery maintenance, and facade cleaning.
• Vertical lifeline systems provide safe fall protection when climbing ladders and towers. These can be either cable or rail-based and are installed permanently for repeated access.
  

These systems are often designed for multi-user environments and provide strong design aesthetics alongside functionality.

Standards and Legal Obligations in New Zealand

All fall protection systems must comply with relevant New Zealand and Australian standards. The key standards include:

• AS/NZS 1891: Governs the design, testing, and use of industrial fall arrest systems and devices.
• AS/NZS 5532: Specifies requirements for single-point anchor device design and performance.
• AS/NZS 4488: Applies to industrial rope access systems and procedures.

Employers must also ensure the following:

• Fall protection systems must be inspected regularly, typically at least every 12 months, or more frequently in corrosive or high-use environments.
• Equipment is checked before every use.
• Any gear that has been subjected to a fall is removed from service immediately.
• Workers using fall arrest systems are trained and competent.
• A written rescue plan is in place and rehearsed.

Here at Alta Safety, compliance is not just about ticking boxes but rather is a critical component of effective safety management. If you have an upcoming height safety project, we'd love to chat. There's a reason we're New Zealand's leading Height Safety experts.