Ladder Safety
In your business, it can be the obvious things like ladder safety that catch you out. In the UK alone an average of 12 people die every year in workplaces, let alone what happens in the home. This example is one of many that occurs.What you need t…
ACC OSH Accident Data for 2009
In the US, OSHA released it’s top 10 most cited violations for 2010. They were:1. Scaffolding, General2. Fall Protection3. Hazard Communication4. Respiratory Protection5. Ladders6. Lockout/Tagout7. Electrical, Wiring Methods8. Powered Industrial T…
Trench Safety
Figure 1 Trench SafetyI’ve heard a safety professional describe a trench as a grave without the ends. They were referring to the fact that unless the trench is shaped and shored (using wood etc to support the face of the trench walls) correctly th…
Wearing Safety Equipment (PPE)
New Zealand Safety law requires us to identify and then control hazards, which may mean wearing of personal protective equipment. Having determined the only control option available is use of PPE, then it is critical employers ensure PPE is used a…
What First Aid Do You Need To Provide in New Zealand Workplaces?
There is nothing specific in the Health and Safety Act detailing first aid requirements for New Zealand workplaces. But then that’s the way the Act is written generally anyway, because it talks about meeting the intent of a safe workplace. However…
Why Zero Harm is a Terrible Goal
Zero Harm is a fantastic philosophy, but a terrible goal. Let me explain. Those supporting the goal of zero harm will argue if you set a target of anything less, then in effect you are aiming to hurt someone every year. If it’s not zero, then it m…
CEO Management Commitment to OSH
Without doubt the single most important aspect to health and safety (OSH) in your workplace is management commitment. Or put another way, your business could have the most modern H&s system, employees who are well trained in H&S and be well resour…
OSH Safety and Employees Use Of Cell Phones While Driving
For over a year now a OSH safety enhancing law on the use of cell phones while driving has been in place, but personally I have seen little change. I was reminded of this only last week driving behind a car doing 40 km/hr in a 50 km/hr area. It wa…
Safety In The Home
In New Zealand about 1 person a minute is injured at home in accidents that a few safety precautions could prevent. Falls and trips are common, burns and cuts in the kitchen, playing with new tools (interestingly you are 8 times more likely to be …