Everything you need to know about silicosis
Silicosis is an incurable and debilitating lung disease primarily caused by occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica – early symptoms include breathing difficulties, wheezing and chest tightness, writes Michelle Llamas of ConsumerNotice.org
Silicosis may take years to manifest but can be fatal. Continue →
Customer loses leg after being hit by forklift
Trade Depot has been ordered to pay out almost $500,000 after it was found no plan was in place to keep pedestrians and moving vehicles separate
The customer was waiting to collect whiteware from the customer collections area outside Trade Depot in Onehunga, when she was struck by a forklift in August 2022. Continue →
Problematic ‘zombie leadership’ lives on
Outdated perceptions of leadership persist across society despite being repeatedly debunked, University of Queensland research finds
Professor Alex Haslam from the university’s School of Psychology led research into ideas about leadership which are still popular despite being harmful for individuals, groups, and organisations. Continue →
Rescue scenario offers invaluable learnings
This summer, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s specialist high angle rescue team was called in to ‘rescue’ a Watercare staff member from the Wairoa Dam valve tower in the Hūnua Ranges
Auckland’s water and wastewater service provider Watercare has been working closely with emergency services to put its rescue plans to the test before they’re needed. Continue →
WorkSafe bans wall-mounted heater
WorkSafe has prohibited the sale and use of Serene Classic S2068 wall mounted bathroom heaters, which it describes as being unsafe
WorkSafe has published a prohibition for the sale (including an offer to sell), and use (including installation) of the Serene Classic S2068 wall mounted bathroom heaters, pursuant to Regulation 87 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010. Continue →
Eye injury a result of company’s safety oversights
WorkSafe NZ is stressing the requirement for employers to provide and ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) is used after Northland business was found guilty and sentenced in relation to a casual worker in who suffered a significant eye injury
The victim and a supervisor were repairing orchard fencing in April 2021 when a high-tensile wire snapped, striking the 20-year-old’s left eye. Continue →
Chemical management systems lacking
Changes could be on the way after a report revealed gaps in how we monitor chemicals in the environment and how we interpret their impact on living things
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, is proposing changes to the way New Zealand manages chemicals to make sure their environmental impacts are not overlooked. Continue →
Long way to go after more asbestos prosecutions
Asbestos remains the country’s number one work-related killer, with about 220 people dying each year from preventable asbestos-related disease
Two recent court cases serve as a reminder to tradies and businesses of the dangers, and how to manage the risks of the known carcinogen. Continue →
New Registered Inspector Programme for MEWPs
Large variances in the quality of inspections and the abilities of inspectors have driven the Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand Inc. Continue →
PCBU responsibilities around lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries – we all have them, but the risk of them exploding is serious and real, says Safety Cabinets Director Bruce Watkins
A PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) must be proactive and keep a safe workplace. Continue →