What happened when a national builder changed its method statements

Golden Homes did not stop at a trial. They changed the documented method by which their sites are required to work. Plenty of building companies trial a product. Considerably fewer change their method statements — because that is the point at which a good idea becomes an obligation, and at which every site has to actually do it.

Golden Homes started testing in mid-2024. Eighteen months later, internal safety platforms are standard practice across their network.

What they were solving for was the ordinary work. Framing and truss installation done from ladders, from narrow top plates, or above internal safety nets — approaches that provide a level of protection but leave crews doing physically demanding work in unstable positions.

What they observed after the change included safer footing during framing and truss work, fewer awkward postures, reduced risk of tools and materials falling between levels, and a more controlled environment for supervising and training apprentices.

They also found the change improved workflow rather than adding friction to it — which across their building network is what determines whether something gets adopted or worked around.

Golden Homes has identified a regular audit process as their next step, to confirm the methods stay embedded over time.