WorkSafe New Zealand has published new guidance on the safe use and maintenance of low-loader ramps, developed after a 2019 incident in which a trailer ramp fell on a tradesman at Te Kuiti, causing fatal injuries. The employer entered an enforceable undertaking with WorkSafe, committing to fund a range of safety improvements — including sponsoring Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) to develop the new guidance.
“This guidance represents a vital step forward in making the transport and delivery of heavy machinery safer across New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure sectors,” said CHASNZ spokesperson Jon Harper-Slade. “Low-loader ramps are deceptively routine but present some of the highest-energy risks on site.”
Why Ramp Incidents Happen
Low-loader ramps are used constantly across construction, infrastructure, and transport operations — yet the risks they present are often underestimated. A ramp can weigh several hundred kilograms and must support the weight of heavy plant. When worn components, improper latching, or a failure to check ground conditions are involved, the consequences can be catastrophic and fast.
The 2019 Te Kuiti incident highlighted that even experienced operators can be caught out when ramp maintenance is not systematically managed. The tradesman was in what was considered a safe position when the ramp shifted unexpectedly.
What the New Guidance Covers
The CHASNZ guide brings together technical input from ramp manufacturers, transport operators, and health and safety experts. It covers pre-use inspection procedures, maintenance schedules, safe working zones when deploying ramps, and requirements for ground assessment before loading or unloading. It also includes guidance on communicating with others on site during ramp operations — a step that is frequently skipped in time-pressured environments.
“By bringing together technical insights from manufacturers, operators, and industry experts, and applying an evidence-based approach to high-energy hazard control, we’ve produced guidance that is practical, targeted, and grounded in what actually works on the ground,” Harper-Slade said.
For Transport and Construction Operators
Any business operating low-loaders — whether as a primary transport function or for moving plant to and from construction sites — should obtain and implement the guidance. WorkSafe expects it to become a reference point during investigations involving ramp incidents. Operators who can demonstrate they have followed the guide will be in a stronger position; those who cannot may face heightened scrutiny.
The guide is available through the CHASNZ website and is free to download.