New Otago University research reveals that New Zealand’s construction workers are more than two times more likely to die by suicide than the rest of the workforce, but one group has achieved global recognition in trying to turn things around While construction workers make up about 9.5% of all workers, the study found that between 17.3% (2010/11) and 29.7% (2018/2019) of those who died by suicide in New Zealand were employed in the sector. Continue →

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) is calling for people planning and implementing roadworks near level crossings to always consider the risks after a double fatality in Morrinsville, Chief Investigator of Accidents Harald Hendel says The call comes in TAIC’s report on a fatal accident in which a freight train impacted a car at about 4am on 7 December 2019 at a level crossing on State Highway 26 near Morrinsville. Continue →

We may have moved away from major lockdowns, but that doesn’t mean we are home free when it comes to avoiding the pandemic’s impact on construction projects, Civil Contractors New Zealand reports There is still potential for Covid-19 cases to force mandatory site shutdowns. Continue →

Following a successful pilot in Canterbury, the Infrastructure Skills Centre comes to Manawatū in November to give people the skills they need to start a successful career in infrastructure construction The course begins on 1 November.  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 →

Experts are urging the Ministry of Health to improve its mask wearing guidelines, calling current practices sub-optimal for reducing the risk of Covid-19 transmission A new rapid evidence brief Improving mask use to stop Covid-19 transmission from Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures at the University of Auckland, synthesises the most up-to-date  international research on the three main types of face masks – medical, cloth and N95 respirators. Continue →

A business was fined $250,000 after workers were exposed to methyl bromide, a WorkSafe New Zealand investigation found The investigation began after workers at Flick Anticimex Limited, a pest control fumigation service, suffered acute methyl bromide poisoning as a result of ongoing exposure to the hazardous substance. Continue →

A Rolleston-based pest bait manufacturing organisation has been fined $275,000 over an incident in which a worker was poisoned in May 2019 and nearly lost his life Pest Control Research Limited Partnership (PCR) manufactures pest control products including baits containing sodium fluoroacetate (more commonly known as 1080) as the toxic active ingredient. Continue →

Putting up and removing seasonal decorations can quickly turn into a festive hangover if those tasked with the work do not know how to do it safely, warns IPAF Head of Safety and Technical Brian Parket Not using the correct type of Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), overlooking the need to use professionally trained operators and supervisors, or trying to save time and money by omitting to do a site assessment or disregarding safe working practices are just some of the ways someone’s holiday season could be ruined. Continue →

The introduction of game changing 360-degree rotating telehandlers looks set to disrupt the infrastructure, civil and construction industries The days of needing on site a mobile crane, a boom lift or other types of elevated work platforms, a forklift and an excavator are numbered – one machine can do it all. Continue →