As the world pins its hopes on Pfizer’s announcement this week of an effective vaccine, Macquarie University researchers have unveiled a strategy addressing the question of who should be vaccinated first With thousands of scientists around the world racing to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, policy makers may need to decide who is at the front of the vaccination queue if initial supplies are limited. Continue →

Two companies have been fined over $400,000 after their failure to communicate had workers on scaffolding above an open tank of caustic soda Perry Metal Protection Limited run a steel galvanising business and Total Access Limited provide access equipment including scaffolding. Continue →

After a company had its data locked up and held for ransom, they failed to pay the multimillion-dollar demand, prompting the hackers to start leaking the stolen data online Adam Janofsky – The Record by Recorded Future This so-called double extortion ransomware attack threw a wrench in the conventional wisdom for how to minimize the impact of these incidents. Continue →

Overcoming organizational barriers to change requires 1) observation to identify your organization’s safety culture, and 2) action to improve it. Continue →

With the rise of remote working, many Kiwis are using more electricity-dependent devices at home, often plugged into unattended multi-plugs, which can place a greater burden on switchboards and increase the risk of electrical fires There are approximately 5,000 building fires in New Zealand every year, with about 1,000 being electricity-oriented. Continue →

Smart personal protective equipment (PPE) is fast-developing and becoming more and more common, so how can you fully exploit its potential? Continue →

A New Zealand partnership forged under lockdown aims to change people’s reliance on alcohol and traditional chemical based sanitation products, in a market estimated to grow by around 30 percent globally by 2023 Disinfectant and sanitation company, AWS, has signed an agreement with specialist healthcare company Pharmaco after forging a partnership over video calls in lockdown. Continue →

Tiny needle-like fibres that can become airborne if bedrock is disturbed has the potential to cause an asbestos-type disease, scientists warn The fibres come from a mineral called erionite which originates in silica-rich volcanic rock commonly found in many parts of the world and especially throughout the Auckland region. Continue →

Two parties were fined a total of $63,000 after twice disregarding WorkSafe notices about unsafe work from a height, and putting workers at risk of serious harm The Judge also imposed a Project Order under section 155 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, which require both parties to prepare and present at least three safety seminars and produce an article outlining the incident and the lessons learned from it for publication in an industry magazine. Continue →

Hydraulink is a successful New Zealand business with a 75 year history, in which time it has grown to become an industry leader in hydraulic hoses, fittings, adaptors and accessories, as well as hydraulic service Hydraulink’s rapidly expanding network now exceeds 400 service points across New Zealand, Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Continue →