Machinery and equipment are used everyday on the worksite. Machinery and equipment are designed to make work easier, more efficient, and can generate great amounts of power and speed. This is really handy when there is a job to be done, but this also means there is a greater potential for harm and injury. When there is a potential for harm, especially in the workplace, it needs to be managed to prevent incidents or injuries. A great place to start is by identifying the hazards and risks involved with the machinery and equipment being used so that you can put controls in place to effectively manage them.
Many pieces of machinery and equipment use force and motion to cut, bend, join or shape materials. This force and motion can harm workers in many different ways such as crushing, cutting, puncturing and burning.
It is good practice to identify the risks to workers’ safety. When machinery and equipment is identified as a hazard in the workplace, the next required step is to manage the hazard. Begin by assessing the risks that these hazards pose to workers. A risk assessment in relation to the machinery and equipment can be completed in the HazardCo app to record hazards and the controls put in place to manage these risks. Keep a list of the common hazards in the workplace and how they are controlled in a hazard register. A Hazard Register template available in the HazardCo Hub.
It is also good practice to complete Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for your machinery and equipment. The SOP should document instructions on the safe operation and maintenance of and training for any machinery or equipment. Ensure that the SOP is created using the manufacturer’s instructions so that it is specific to the machinery and equipment used. A few example SOP’s and a template are available in the HazardCo Hub that can be used to create SOPs for all the machinery and equipment in the workplace.
Machinery and equipment are often used in harsh working environments, and on a daily basis. These two factors mean that eventually machinery and equipment can become faulty, damaged or break down over-time. If and when this happens, it can pose a risk to the workers who are using or working closely to the machinery or equipment. It is good practice to manage these risks by doing daily pre-start checks before beginning work. This ensures that the machinery and equipment are inspected and are in good working order before beginning the works. These pre-start checks should be recorded and the records should be kept. There are Pre-start Checklist templates available on the HazardCo Hub.
Workers should be trained to competently complete the work they are required to do. This is especially important when using machinery and equipment as there is an increased potential for harm when it is not used correctly. Make sure that workers have the appropriate training, supervision and qualification (if required) to safely use the necessary machinery and equipment. Keep an up-to-date register of what machinery and equipment workers are trained on and competent in using. A Training Register template is available on the HazardCo Hub which can be downloaded and filled out.
If you need a hand with managing the hazards and risks involved with using machinery and equipment, give HazardCo a call on 0800 555 339.
A Task Analysis is a hazard management tool that helps you identify hazards and the appropriate controls before you carry out a specific task or job. Completing a Task Analysis will help reduce the risks on-site by walking you through assessing the work before you start and putting the correct processes in place to make sure you do it safely.
The HazardCo App makes it simple for you to understand what you need to fill in. With an easy-to-use guide that gives you options to choose from.
All workers involved in the work should discuss the Task Analysis so they understand exactly what work is being done, how it will be completed, and the controls that will be used to keep everyone safe. It’s fundamental and should be done before any high-risk work gets underway.
Task Analysis in the app are faster, simpler and repeatable.
The Task Analysis template on the App guides you through a step-by-step set up process. It gives you the confidence that the potential hazards have been thought through, and that you are putting the right controls in place to make sure everyone is safe.
All you need to do is choose the controls relevant to the work you are doing and hit SAVE, easy as that! A HazardCo Task Analysis is created, emailed to you and saved securely in your App and Hub so you can easily share it with the main contractors who need it.
If you have any questions reach out to the HazardCo team today
Taking care of your mental health is a difficult task. Sometimes you don’t even know you’re struggling until you are in the thick of it. Struggling with mental health can look different for everyone and the cause of it can be different for everyone. In the same way, dealing with or managing mental health looks different for us all. Even though we all respond to mental health differently, there are some common signs to look out for that we are struggling. There are also some commonly recommended things we can do to improve or manage our mental health.
These feelings and behaviours can be onset by a variety of life events or stressors. There can be many life events that can impact our mental health such as; work-related stress, relationship troubles, finances, loss of a loved one, and many more. If we have been through a tough time or are aware that we aren’t feeling quite right there are some tools we can use that can improve our mental health. Using these tools to proactively manage our mental health is a great idea but it is also useful if you are currently struggling with your mental health.
These tools and many more can all help you take care of your mental health. If you notice a friend is struggling or going through some tough life events, reach out to them and see how they are going. They could benefit from some of these tools or at very least a friend. Remember that taking care of yourself mentally is hard and you don’t need to do it on your own. Reach out to your family and friends or a doctor to talk about your mental health. If you are struggling there is help out there, below is a list of some places you can call if you need support.
Is work affecting your mental health? Is work affecting your worker’s mental health?
Have you thought about how to manage it? Did you know you have a duty to manage the risks that work poses to mental health?
We all know that work can affect your physical health. There are risks and hazards on-site that can cause you harm like slips, trips, and falls, hazardous substances, dust and so many more. Working can also impact your mental health in more ways than one. Here is a list of some common workplace hazards that can affect a worker’s mental health:
There are many things at work that can impact mental health. Sustained exposure to workplace stressors increases the likelihood of poor mental and physical health. Businesses have a duty to manage the risks that work has to mental health. If the risks can’t be eliminated they should be minimised.
Businesses should try to prevent mental health harm at its source. Identifying risks and controlling them should be done by communicating with workers about what workplace conditions are harming their mental health. Things like low job control, low support, poor environmental conditions, exposure to injury or harassment can increase the likelihood of mental harm. Businesses should look to create workplaces that remove exposure to stressors, such as:
Start managing mental health at work today. Have a toolbox meeting to discuss the common issues that impact your workers mental health. Discuss ways to eliminate or minimise these risks. It’s good practice to keep records of your meetings, this can be done in the HazardCo App.
If you have any questions get in touch with the HazardCo Team today
Disclaimer: This article discusses suicide and mental health
Last Thursday was World Suicide Prevention Day, and next week from the 21st-27th September is New Zealand Mental Health Awareness Week, so we thought we would share some insights into this important issue.
In 2019, New Zealand reported our highest number of suicide deaths to date, with a confronting figure of 685 cases. According to the Suicide Mortality Review Committee, construction has the highest suicide rate of all industries in New Zealand, at 6.9%. It is time that we recognised this issue, and understand the small, yet powerful steps that we can take to make sure our mates are ok, which can prevent the tragic effect on the lives of so many Kiwi families.
MATES in Construction is a community-based programme that promotes the building and strengthening of communities in the workplace and across the construction industry – helping Kiwi’s to provide an environment that encourages positive wellbeing.
MATES in Construction has three key focus areas to work towards their vision of significantly improving mental wellness and reducing suicide in the construction industry:
The key message is about taking time out of your day to remind each other to notice when our mates may be struggling, and that it’s not only OK to have these conversations, but it’s essential.
Due to the current COVID19 climate, individuals may be struggling with financial stress, anxiety levels, and a lack of social interaction – factors that hugely affect our mental health and overall wellbeing. Therefore, it is so important that we support our friends and coworkers by taking 10 seconds out of our day to start these conversations.
It can be as simple as asking “Are you ok?”, “What’s happening in your world?” or “You don’t seem yourself, is anything up?”. You don’t need to be a counsellor, but taking the time to check-in is a clear indicator to everyone that you care, and that they matter – and this can make a big difference.
For more information, you can check out these resources below:
Boss Burnout – Spot the warning signs in yourself
Mates in Construction has a 24/7 helpline which you can call on 0800 111 315. Alternatively, you can seek additional assistance from an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), your local GP or your whanau and friends.
We want to make sure that you have everything you need to work safely in a COVID-19 world. With this in mind, ensure you complete a COVID Task Analysis (you can use this as your COVID-19 Plan) and make sure you share it with your team before turning up to site.
Download yours below, which includes our advice on how to operate on-site safely:
A COVID Task Analysis is a simple and effective tool that helps you identify COVID hazards, risks, and the appropriate controls. All workers involved should discuss the Task Analysis so they understand the controls that will be put in place to minimise the risk of COVID on-site.
It’s important to us that you’re healthy and safe during this time, so get in touch if you’d like to chat about how HazardCo can support you, you can give us a call on 0800 555 339 or email info@hazardco.com.
What is Hi-Vis?
Hi-Vis is a form of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) designed to minimise the risk of personal injury by making the wearers visible.
The New Zealand legislation has standards around the criteria that hi-vis needs to meet, the types available, and when they should be worn.
As a business owner, you must manage the risks associated with your workplace activities and in doing so follow a process to control those risks. If you cannot eliminate a risk, you must implement measures to reduce the level of risk, provide training to workers, and provide PPE – which can include hi-vis.
Protective clothing is one of many control measures used to mitigate risk, however, it is the ‘last line of defense’, and all other reasonably practicable control measures should be in place first before relying on protective clothing. It is up to the PCBU if hi-vis clothing is a control that will be implemented on-site. However, we do recommend that it should always be worn around moving vehicles, plant and machinery.
Types of Hi-Vis
There are many types of hi-vis clothing available in New Zealand, and it is important to understand the different types., what is appropriate for your workplace, and ensure that you supply hi-vis that meets the standards. The only two hi-vis colours that are acceptable in NZ are yellow and red-orange.Red is only allowed if it is in the orange spectrum. Otherwise, it cannot be considered a hi-vis colour, because it is not easily visible for some people with a specific type of colour-blindness.
Maintaining Hi-Vis
It is important that the correct hi-vis is selected and used correctly. Your workers should know:
Hi-vis should be maintained to ensure that it remains effective, over time the materials can fade which will affect the performance of the tape and fabric. It should be regularly checked for wear and tear, fading, and ensure that there are no additional fabrics, logos, or pockets impacting the functionality of the hi-vis in accordance with the standards AS/NZS 4602 and AS/NZS 1906.4.
If you have any questions get in touch with the HazardCo team
HazardCo was created by tradies, for tradies. We understand that on-site risks change, all day, every day, and have experienced what happens when they aren’t well managed first hand. So we formed HazardCo to help tradies get their health and safety sorted – and help you to feel confident that you’re doing the right thing.
HazardCo’s digital health and safety solution uses everyday technology to help you complete all your health and safety requirements – all from your back pocket. Plus, HazardCo helps you to cut back on paperwork and saves you time by using straightforward templates and reports, which are full of tips and suggestions to give you the confidence you have it all covered.
You can use the HazardCo App on your smartphone to create a Toolbox Meeting, Site Review, Risk Assessment, Incident Report, Vehicle Checklist, and more. The app is packed with simple-to-use tools that guide you through each of these activities, making them super quick and easy to complete. The HazardCo App enables our members to feel confident that they are on top of their health and safety from anywhere, at any time – whether they’re on-site, taking a coffee break, or even at home after a long day at work.
HazardCo takes the hassle out of getting your team on board because the app is free to download for everyone on-site; this includes subbies, your team, and also visitors to your site. This means that at the site Hazard Board all they need to do is use the app or your camera to scan the QR code when they sign in and out which gives you the visibility of knowing who has been on-site and when, without having to be there in person. Plus, there’s no need for loads of paperwork and meetings the first time someone arrives on-site – all they need to do is scan in and complete their induction on their smartphone. It’s simple, smart, and time-saving while also giving you the confidence of knowing you have your bases covered.
Along with the app, being a HazardCo member also gives you access to the HazardCo Hub – our digital tool for setting up new projects. All of the information you need is stored online meaning that you can login from anywhere, at any time. Plus, you can use the hub to view, download, and review activity reports, including site reviews, risk assessments, and inductions.
Good health and safety practices are about more than just following the rules; they’re about doing the right thing to keep you and your team safe. HazardCo’s smart digital tools save you time and paperwork, giving you the confidence that you’re doing everything you can to keep your team safe.
Any questions, get in touch with the HazardCo team today
When it’s not possible to work from the ground, the use of scaffolding is highly recommended to complete those at height tasks. Generally, any building, demolition, or at height repair works will require scaffolding.
There are other height equipment available such as;
Doing a thorough risk assessment is key to determining what the right equipment for the job will be. Use this table as a guide for your choice of height equipment.
As always if you would like to discuss your health and safety requirements further please call our Advisory team on 0800 555 339, extension 4.]
Working at height for work such as building a house, renovations, painting, decorating, or roof work? Scaffolding could be the safest piece of height equipment to use for the job as it provides workers with a flat-level working platform and of course fall protection.
There are different types of scaffolds and the type you will use will depend on the environment you are working in and what is best suited to your task. The common types of scaffolding are proprietary and prefabricated, tube and coupler, and suspended scaffold. If you want to know more about these systems, click here.
Anyone involved in the installation of scaffolding is required to have the knowledge and skills to do so. Scaffolding up to 5 metres should be installed by a competent person. Competent means someone who has the knowledge and skills to carry out a particular task like installing scaffolding. The easiest way to gain this knowledge and skills is through training, qualification, experience or a combination of all three.
It is important that you know that scaffolding greater than 5 metres must be installed by a person who holds the appropriate class of certificate of competence (COC) for the type of scaffolding. Scaffolding over 5m is also notifiable to WorkSafe. This can be done online here.
We have a Scaffolding Task Analysis (TA) that you can use. This TA outlines the hazards, risks and controls that need to be put in place when it comes to installing and using a scaffold. Also available is a pre-start checklist for you to conduct your daily checks before use. These can both be found in the templates section of the HazardCo HUB. We will touch on in week 3 about the when, what, how and why when it comes to checking scaffolds.
