An outbreak of novel coronavirus (also called COVID-19) originated in China and has been widely reported. Continue →

Industries rely on workers being physically and mentally alert. Fatigue reduces alertness which can lead to errors, and an increase in workplace incidents and injuries The evenings are getting lighter and BBQ season is just around the corner, which means the pressure is on to get jobs done while there is more daylight in the evenings. Continue →

In a new research study by the University of South Australia, researchers have investigated whether altering food intake during the nightshift could optimise how shiftworkers feel during the night and reduce their sleepiness Testing the impact of either a snack, a meal, or no food at all, the study found that a simple snack was the best choice for maximising alertness and productivity. Continue →

Some level of stress is normal, but too much stress is associated with a long list of negative health impacts and for leaders especially who have more responsibilities than the rest of their team, it can be beneficial to know how to handle stress and heavy workloads BizCover Everyone has some level of work-related stress from time to time, and some level of stress could even support productivity. Continue →

With well over a quarter of a million people employed in New Zealand’s construction and facilities management sectors, there is an obvious need for a close eye on mental wellbeing. Continue →

Workload, fatigue, relationships, sleep and time off farm, are some of the main challenges facing younger farmers today, so it is no surprise that farmers under 35 want to invest more in their wellbeing, new research has found The milestone study, commissioned by rural wellbeing initiative Farmstrong, found that 64% of younger farming men and 77% of women reported that at least one wellbeing issue had a large impact on their life. Continue →

Confused about how to tackle airborne health risks? WorkSafe New Zealand principal scientist work-related health Philippa Gibson offers a simple management model and notes some common errors   The common refrain is that health risk management is hard – harder than safety risk management. Continue →

The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) is calling for New Zealand to make 2019 the year we take workplace stress seriously, and work together to address it. Continue →

The Government’s binding referendum on personal cannabis use at the 2020 general election has sparked speculation around how products could be regulated. Continue →

Kiwi owned and operated vape seller Alt say it had little commercial choice but to launch in recent weeks its advertising campaign targeting Kiwis keen to give up smoking Alt director Ben Pryor says international tobacco companies are set to come into New Zealand with their own vaping and e-cigarette products and will target the young. Continue →

Under the digital billboard headline ‘Cannabis is medicine’ the campaign features eight Kiwis who are a cross-section of patients, advocates, entrepreneurs and parents Behind the promotion is licensed New Zealand-owned cannabis company Helius Therapeutics. Continue →

A ground breaking study of international business travellers found many reported being more engaged with their jobs, but many are also more likely to engage in risky behaviours while away   The Keeping International Business Travellers Happy, Healthy & Engaged at Home and Away whitepaper drafted by the International SOS Foundation, Kingston University and Affinity Health at Work also uncovers the organisational, social and individual factors that support and hinder the psychological health of international business travellers (IBTs). Continue →

Leading physicians say that Australian stonemasons are facing the biggest lung disease crisis since asbestos, due to crystalline silica in popular stone kitchen benches Last month 22 silicosis claims were lodged to WorkCover in Queensland, including six people who have been diagnosed as terminal, leading to state government intervention. Continue →

Workplace health promotion programmes that encourage employees to take responsibility for their own weight may have detrimental effects for employees with obesity, a new study reveals These range from feeling increasingly responsible for their weight but perceiving they have less control over it to increased workplace weight stigma and discrimination. Continue →

A new paper by Royal Society Te Apārangi finds that increasing exposure to artificial blue light is a possible risk for health, wildlife and studying the night sky   Blue Light Aotearoa advises that  there are many things that can be done to protect people and the environment from artificial blue light. Continue →

Leading wellness and technology real estate companies EDGE Technologies and Delos are exploring the integration of their respective platforms and capabilities Together these two industry leaders will investigate and create physical environments (air, water, light, comfort, sound) and inform behavioural choices (nutrition, movement, personal interaction) to improve the performance of people in new and existing commercial buildings. Continue →

Keeping an eye on your personal ultraviolet (UV) exposure throughout the day could soon be as simple as wearing a sticker, thanks to new wearable sensors that help people manage vitamin absorption and avoid sun damage The UV active ink can be printed on paper making sensors cheap and easy to produce. Continue →

The New Zealand construction industry has the highest percentage of suicide for employed men of any industry in this country, research reveals Most of those interviewed as part of a recent BRANZ study, while surprised at the high suicide rate, agreed there was a key driver to the high rates – the poor culture. Continue →

A new study which shows New Zealand has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world confirmed the need to ban sunbeds and make sunscreen standards mandatory, Consumer NZ says Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Kiwis. Continue →

The provision of managerial support and help for employees with depression is linked to lower rates of workplace absenteeism, finds an international survey study of practice in 15 countries in different regions of the world, published in the online journal BMJ Open The findings bolster the case for active workplace policies on mental health, say the researchers. Continue →