Emergency Planning in New Zealand’s Road and Civil Construction Sector

A Rapid Review of Effectiveness in Injury Mitigation

Abstract

Emergency situations in road and civil construction can arise quickly, with serious results for workers and the public if response systems are inadequate. Road and civil construction is one of New Zealand’s high-risk sectors, defined by complex worksites, live traffic interactions, heavy plant and equipment, and exposure to various environmental hazards. Although emergency planning is a mandatory requirement under New Zealand’s health and safety system, its effectiveness in reducing workplace injury rates within the road and civil construction sector has been inadequately explored. This rapid review synthesises academic literature, regulatory guidelines, and industry reports to evaluate how emergency planning is structured, implemented, and put into practice, and to determine its impact on injury reduction.