How Often Must Scaffolding Be Inspected in NZ? (WorkSafe Requirements)

If you have scaffolding on your site, WorkSafe NZ requires it to be inspected at regular intervals. Here's what the rules say, who is responsible, and what to expect from a compliant scaffolding company.

The WorkSafe NZ Requirements

Under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, scaffolding must be inspected:

• Before first use — The scaffolding must be inspected and certified as safe before anyone works on it
• After any alteration or incident — If the scaffolding is modified, extended, or affected by an incident (e.g. something hits it, high winds), it must be re-inspected before use resumes
• At least every 7 days — For any scaffolding in continuous use, a formal inspection must be carried out every 7 days

For higher-risk scaffolding (any scaffolding over 5 metres, or suspended scaffolding), additional requirements apply including the involvement of a Competent Person — a qualified scaffolder with the relevant trade certification.

What Does an Inspection Check?

A WorkSafe compliant scaffolding inspection covers:

• Structural integrity of all standards (vertical poles), ledgers, and transoms
• Security of all couplers and fittings
• Condition of scaffolding boards (no cracking, overloading, or unsupported spans)
• Integrity of all handrails and kick boards
• Security of base plates and any ties to the building
• Condition and placement of access ladders
• Any signs of damage, corrosion, or deterioration

Who Is Responsible?

The Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) with control of the worksite is responsible for ensuring inspections happen. In practice, this is usually the main contractor on commercial sites, or the scaffolding company on residential jobs.

At Erect It Scaffolding, every setup we erect is inspected before handover. For longer hire periods, we conduct regular inspections as part of our service — you don't need to organise this separately.

What Happens If Scaffolding Isn't Inspected?

Working on uninspected scaffolding puts workers at risk and exposes the PCBU to significant legal liability. WorkSafe NZ can issue improvement notices, prohibition notices (shutting down the worksite), and fines.

If you're unsure whether your scaffolding has been properly inspected, call us on 027 886 6688 — we can check it for you.

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Also see: Residential Scaffolding Wellington · Edge Protection Wellington · Cheap Scaffolding Hire Wellington · Local Scaffolding Companies Wellington