Taped on the outside of our door

The contractors have provided us with a bar.

That was the message I was given by S after the barrier was erected. Because no one could be trusted to stay away from the edges of the decks after the old balustrades were removed, the health and safety requirements were met by taping the doors closed. We objected, and were supported by the Auckland Council who agreed that were have to have more ventilation than could be provided by the small windows in the bedroom and study. Instead we have been provided with the bar rier shown in this photo.

A substantial piece of construction without any handholds or footholds, but only 1.2 m high, it still depends on us choosing not to climb over it. Erected at our cost. And because we still can't be trusted, our own door onto our own deck has been "banned" from being used. 

What is most irritating is that the contractors know that no one who would be foolish enough to get to where they might fall will be stopped by signs, taped up (sealed) doors, or by signs such as this one. It is all window dressing to be able to say that it was the person's fault for not obeying instructions.

But New Zealand has no fault Accident Compensation for all accidental injuries. All health costs, substantial support if unable to work and so on was guaranteed by the ACC legislation. Until the previous Government changed the rules to make someone else than the injured person (or the State) responsible. If the contractor did not do these idiotic safety measures (which still depend on people being sensible), they rather than the State would have to meet the costs of any injuries. 

While this all means that the costs of such work such as this are increased, and the occasional unfortunate will still be covered by the no fault provisions of ACC.