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 →

Revelations that cigarette sales are falling faster than ever, with vaping a major factor, is again raising concerns that the Government’s move to restrict vaping flavours and potentially cap nicotine levels in vaping products will only slow such success The End Smoking NZ charity has analysed tobacco company returns published by the Ministry of Health, showing 2,132 million cigarettes were sold last year in New Zealand – 410 million fewer than just two years ago. Continue →

When work-related stress starts to become chronic, it can become harmful to both your physical and mental well being, which can impact your overall performance No matter how much you enjoy your work, everyone has experienced stress in their job at some point. Continue →

A global survey has found that most workers would continue to work when sick with flu-like symptoms, a move that could have dire consequences in the current pandemic The Australian and international research surveyed over 500 workers, around half of which were healthcare workers. Continue →

Given the extraordinary circumstances that Covid-19 presents, it is admirable the Ministry of Health has forged ahead with the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, which came into effect as planned on 1 April, says Helius Therapeutics Chief Executive Paul Manning Since the final regulations were announced late last year, the Ministry has been working closely with the country’s newest industry. Continue →

Unfortunately, there’s not a guaranteed way to completely avoid contracting a virus such as COVID-19, but by keeping a clean workplace and utilising tools such as chemical dispensers, you can significantly reduce the risk Wherever people go, germs follow. Continue →

The COVID-19 outbreak has prompted occupiers to accelerate the implementation of wellness measures in their workplaces while introducing additional hygiene and health-related steps, CBRE Global Research reports Tens of millions of employees in Asia Pacific have been advised – and in some cases ordered – to work from home due to health and safety concerns. 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 →