FutureFive New Zealand - Consumer technology news & reviews from the future

Health and Safety Stories - Page 23

Kiwi Stories

Health and Safety stories

Students tackle country’s big infrastructure issues
Risk & Compliance

Students tackle country’s big infrastructure issues

Real-world subdivision design projects are giving civil engineering students hands-on experience tackling housing and water shortages across New Zealand.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Thu, 18th May 2023
Company failures leave builder in wheelchair
Risk & Compliance

Company failures leave builder in wheelchair

A preventable fall from an unguarded void has left one builder paralysed and unable to work, prompting hefty fines for two firms.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Wed, 10th May 2023
What does the future look like for housing in New Zealand?
Hybrid & Remote Work

What does the future look like for housing in New Zealand?

Higher costs are pushing home ownership further out of reach, as New Zealand buyers favour central, higher-quality housing and amenity.

By Michael Curreen • 10 min read • Tue, 9th May 2023
Tagalog safety training a success
Education, Learning & Training

Tagalog safety training a success

Engagement rose among Filipino construction workers after MATES in Construction New Zealand's first Tagalog mental health training, staff said.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Fri, 5th May 2023
Quick guide to work-related musculoskeletal disorders
Risk & Compliance

Quick guide to work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Poor workplace design and repetitive tasks can trigger aches, injuries and chronic pain, with risk rising as more factors combine.

By Michael Curreen • 7 min read • Wed, 3rd May 2023
Code of Practice replaced for road work sites
Risk & Compliance

Code of Practice replaced for road work sites

Road workers and motorists could face fewer delays as traffic management shifts to site-specific risk assessments under new guidance.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Mon, 1st May 2023
Over half of NZ workers exposed to carcinogens
Risk & Compliance

Over half of NZ workers exposed to carcinogens

WorkSafe says exposure to cancer-causing agents remains widespread, with 57.5% of workers probably affected, raising work-related death risks.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Thu, 27th Apr 2023
Just how dangerous is mould?
Disaster Recovery

Just how dangerous is mould?

Water-damaged homes can expose residents to spores that trigger asthma, respiratory infections and other health problems.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Mon, 24th Apr 2023
Flawed procurement practices to blame for faulty Wellington streetlights
Risk & Compliance

Flawed procurement practices to blame for faulty Wellington streetlights

Wellington City Council faces a NZD $6 million repair bill after 17,000 LED streetlights proved unsafe in strong winds.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 17th Apr 2023
Feedback sought on new mining and quarrying safety requirements
Risk & Compliance

Feedback sought on new mining and quarrying safety requirements

Operators could face new competency checks as WorkSafe seeks feedback on rules covering mining and quarrying certificates of competence.

By Michael Curreen • 9 min read • Mon, 17th Apr 2023
Do we still need Covid-19 isolation rules?
University of Otago

Do we still need Covid-19 isolation rules?

Modelling suggests scrapping the seven-day rule could lift hospital admissions and deaths by up to 25% over six months.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Fri, 14th Apr 2023
Australia looks offshore to achieve net-zero
Power / Energy

Australia looks offshore to achieve net-zero

Offshore wind could help bridge Australia’s huge clean-power gap, with grid demand set to double by 2050 under net zero plans.

By Staff Writer • 6 min read • Sun, 9th Apr 2023
Are exoskeletons the future of health & safety?
Data Analytics

Are exoskeletons the future of health & safety?

With injuries and labour shortages biting, wearable robotics are being trialled to cut strain, lift productivity and keep workers on the job.

By Michael Curreen • 5 min read • Thu, 6th Apr 2023
TTM steering group appointees named
Risk & Compliance

TTM steering group appointees named

A new industry panel will shape New Zealand’s switch to risk-based roadworks safety rules, with 12 appointees chosen from 38 applicants.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Sun, 2nd Apr 2023
Council sentenced for part in slide collapse
Risk & Compliance

Council sentenced for part in slide collapse

A father left with 11 surgeries after a 12-metre fall will receive reparation as the council is held accountable for safety lapses at the festival.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Thu, 30th Mar 2023
Top 9 health & safety risks in construction
Risk & Compliance

Top 9 health & safety risks in construction

Worksites remain vulnerable to falls, electrocution and fire, with the risk of serious injury or death still high without strict controls.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Wed, 22nd Mar 2023
Repeated machine guard failures ‘reprehensible’
Risk & Compliance

Repeated machine guard failures ‘reprehensible’

A West Auckland bakery has been fined GBP £18,000 after two workers suffered severe hand injuries from unguarded machines.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Mon, 20th Mar 2023
Working with silt or soil after flooding
Disaster Recovery

Working with silt or soil after flooding

Workers face contamination risks from flood silt, with WorkSafe warning of germs, chemicals and asbestos during clean-up.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Tue, 14th Mar 2023
Mental health first aid improves workplace safety
Risk & Compliance

Mental health first aid improves workplace safety

Poor mental wellbeing is fuelling accidents on sites, prompting calls for first aiders who can spot distress and prevent injuries before they happen.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Mon, 13th Mar 2023