Work on demolishing Christchurch's tallest building is set to resume on Thursday, nearly a week after a worker was seriously injured in a fall near the top of the building.
The man fell from a ladder two to three metres and landed on his head while working on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Grand Chancellor on Friday. Work was suspended and the accident - the first serious injury in earthquake recovery work - is being investigated.
The man's family has asked for privacy.
Fletcher Building Construction chief executive Graham Darlow told NZ Newswire on Thursday the man's condition was improving slowly but steadily.
However, it was too early to say when he would be released from hospital or return to work.
"We are hoping for the best."
The first priority had been to support the injured worker and his family and to ensure that it was safe before any further work occurred on site.
Mr Darlow said minor procedures would be adopted but the overall method being used to demolish the building would remain unchanged.
No one was killed or seriously injured when the hotel suffered major damage in last year's February 22 earthquake.
Demolition is still expected to be completed by mid-April.
NZN