Large variances in the quality of inspections and the abilities of inspectors have driven the Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand Inc. Continue →

The proposed and delayed Plant, Structures, and Hazardous Work regulations would leave an ever-smaller pool of Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) inspectors to maintain an increasing number of machines, says Elevating Work Platform Association Chief Executive Rodney Grant There are approximately 18,000 mobile elevating work platforms operating throughout New Zealand, all of which require two inspections per year. Continue →

WorkSafe inspectors have noticed an increasing number of mobile work platforms that have been self made or modified, many of which are badly designed and/or poorly constructed Some have been fixed to tractors and vehicles, some made for towing, and some are modified from existing mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). Continue →

Key principles and ways to reduce likely risks when using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in public areas and near roads has been published by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) The use of powered access to provide an effective means of access to work at height is constantly increasing worldwide as the productivity and safety benefits are recognised by businesses and employers alike, IPAF Head of Safety & Technical Brian Parker says. 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 →

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 →

Robotics technology developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo makes critical bridge inspections cheaper and more reliable by automating the process The new system combines autonomous robots, cameras and lidar – a remote sensing method using lasers — to systematically collect data for defect detection and analysis. Continue →

A scaffolding company has been fined $150,000 after a poorly designed scaffold collapsed while seven people were working on it Affordable Scaffolding (2010) Limited was sentenced at the Auckland District Court last month following the February 2017 incident involving a scaffold erected under the Panmure Bridge in Auckland. Continue →

Increasing process automation means the cost-effective automation of vehicles is playing an increasingly more important role – which in turn has serious safety implications Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are encountered in vast warehouses, order-picking areas and production halls. Continue →

Konecranes has completed a Major Assessment of a production-critical crane used in WesTrac’s Newman, WA workshop, which has saved the company downtime and cost, as well as enhanced safety and productivity for ongoing use The 40t double-girder crane is used to lift components for WesTrac’s repairs on their customers’ dozers, graders and loaders, such as power train overhaul, where it lifts components like engines, pump drives, torque converter transmissions and final drives. Continue →

Leading materials handling and lifting equipment supplier United Forklift and Access Solutions is introducing a new electric forklift range that combines quality, performance, safety and top value for money The clean, quiet and environmentally harmonious United C.A.T Series range is designed to provide hygienic, environmentally sustainable and safer solutions for all lifting and usage requirements in the warehouse, says Craig Coles, CAT Lift Trucks Product Manager, United Forklift and Access Solutions. Continue →

An IPLEX G Lite industrial videoscope featuring powerful imaging capabilities and a small, rugged body has been launched by Olympus Lightweight and able to go almost anywhere, the IPLEX G Lite videoscope provides users working in challenging environments with a remote visual inspection tool that has the image quality and ease of use to get the job done. Continue →

The new model incorporates a multitude of enhancements and innovations to maximise productivity, occupational safety and efficiency The J. Continue →

A leading global range of ladder systems and access equipment purpose-built to provide solutions to major workplace safety and efficiency issues has been introduced by United Forklift and Access Solutions. Continue →

It sometimes surprises people to have to think of ropes and ladders as tools, PBI Height Safety specialist Doug Carson observes Everyone knows how to use a ladder, yet ladders and rooftop falls contribute to 70 per cent of all workplace injuries when working at height – most of which are less than three metres. Continue →

    The Konecranes guide offers greater flexibility, reliability and safety on small or mid-sized wire rope hoists and provides a high-quality, low-cost replacement for almost any brand of rope guide Wire rope hoists are used in a wide variety of industries including construction and infrastructure, mining, manufacturing and materials handling, automotive, cement, primary production, process engineering, ports, shipping and logistics. Continue →

There may have been great advancements in technologies and products to assist workers inside confined spaces, but Gordon Anderson claims one serious safety issue that has gone unresolved for many years still remains. Continue →

SCIRT’s Fletcher delivery team devised an innovative solution to the risk of flooding on the complex heritage project of repairing and strengthening the 130-year-old Gloucester Street bridge, in Christchurch. Continue →