Workdek on New Zealand sites

Golden Homes, a national group home builder, did not stop at a trial. They tested internal safety platforms on live sites under real programme pressure from mid-2024, then wrote safety decking into the method statements their sites are required to work to. Eighteen months later, internal safety platforms are standard practice across their building network.

Before the change, framing and truss installation was 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.

After the change they observed 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. The change improved workflow rather than adding friction to it.

Their next step is a regular audit process, to confirm the methods stay embedded over time. The full story is documented in their SafeGuard Awards entry.