New health and safety policy in red zone

10:14 am on 29 November 2012

Red zone workers in Christchurch may soon have to leave their t-shirts and shorts at home and wear long-sleeved tops and trousers instead.

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority is reviewing its health and safety policy which applies to all personnel, including contractors and subcontractors.

While no formal decisions have been made, the authority says a policy involving clothing and sunscreen has already been adopted on some rebuild projects.

This has led to a dramatic fall in first aid injury and injuries needing medical treatment.

The authority says there have been no fatalities and only one serious accident in the red zone.