SAFETY INSITE WINTER 2011 - Site Safe

SAFETY INSITE WINTER 2011
Print version Membership Newsletter
Mission: “To promote and advance a culture of safety”
"Hei whakanui me kokiri, he whakarurutanga tikanga o te ahumahi whakaturanga"
In this edition:
Kia Ora / Greetings!
• CEO Update
• FEATURE: Rebuild Updates for Canterbury
• TRADE SPECIFIC
· Carpentry - NZS 3604:2011 and revised timber treatment guidelines
· Electrical - Relicensing for 2011/2012
· Plumbing - draft consultation for competencies for licensing and registration
• GOVERNMENT UPDATES
· ACC
- Reviewing New Zealand's Accident Compensation System
· Department of Labour
- New Action Plan for the Construction Sector
- The new guidelines for the management and removal of asbestos - March 2011
- Employment Agreements a Must for Everyone from 1 July
· Department of Building and Housing
- Revised timber treatment guidelines
• HEALTH AND SAFETY INDUSTRY UPDATES - NATIONAL
· Events
- Conferenz
- Jxiang Province
- Safeguard Winners
- H&S Seminars
- 2012 World Safety Conference to be held in New Zealand
- National Safety Show 2011
· What's New
- Health and Safety Award (3M) - Enter Now!
- Hard Hat Toolbox Talk - NEW!
• HEALTH AND SAFETY INDUSTRY UPDATES - INTERNATIONAL
· Worksafe poster
· New guidelines for CPR
• NEW AT SITE SAFE
· Welcome New Trade Association Members
· IAONZ partnership
· Certificate in Construction Safety - 2011 Graduation and CPD Programme Update
· AGM date
· BUILD 2011
· Product Alert
- Contractor Site Safety Kit
· Profiling our National Advisor Team - introducing Mike Spekreijse
· Maori King earns his first Site Safe Passport
• Prosecution Corner
• Helpful Links
Partnering Trade Associations
1

CEO Update
While compiling this edition of the Safety Insite, significant earthquakes
have continued to shake Christchurch. With the major increase of work
now in Christchurch, a high-vis is now more common than a Crusader
rugby jersey. We have taken direction as to how to best service the
region and you will find more detail around this throughout this Safety
Insite Winter edition.
Site Safe has been part of discussions with Health and Safety
Managers from the major Charter companies to facilitate and support
healthy and safe workplaces during earthquake remedial work. The
work going on in Canterbury has spear-headed continued improvement
for our services through New Zealand. Specifically, the topic of discussion with the Charter
companies has been around extending renewal dates of higher level cards and backing that
up with E-learning as well as additional on-site audits. We have also launched the ‘Contractor
Site Safety Kit’ which assists smaller sized businesses with everything they need to make
sure their site meets health and safety requirements.
Our National team of Safety, Health and Environmental Advisors has four new staff since
February and continues to grow in number and capability to support members and to deliver
on their changing needs. The team has been working on a rotational basis to assist our
Christchurch staff. Our Advisor Chris Graney will shortly be relocating to Kati Kati and
servicing the Waikato and Bay of Plenty region. We are also looking to locate an Advisor in
the Northland region.
I would also like to formally welcome four new trade associations to Site Safe membership:
Brick & Blocklayers Federation, Fencing Contractors Association, New Zealand Sign &
Display Association, and Insulation Association of New Zealand. These partnerships mean
that we will be able to hear more from New Zealand companies and their unique needs and
see where we can improve to assist better health and safety in construction.
On one final note, in March, Land Search and Rescue wrote to me to thank Site Safe for
allowing our Canterbury Advisor Kevin Wood to volunteer his time during the earthquake red
alert period. This organization visited and reported on 56,000 households of people in need
around Christchurch. I would just like to state my admiration and pride for Kevin, our Southern
Regional Manager Richard, and all of our Christchurch office staff who are still smiling at
work, in their communities and on the home front.
As an industry organisation dedicated to promoting and advancing a culture of safety in the
construction industry Site Safe is constantly investigating world wide for best practices to
introduce into New Zealand to better serve our members. As always, I encourage our readers
to contact Site Safe with questions or ideas. Thank you for your continued support, and we
look forward to seeing you at the Site Safe Annual General Meeting on 7 September in
Wellington.
Garry Menhennet, Site Safe Chief Executive
2

Feature: Canterbury Rebuild
To support healthy and safe workplaces during earthquake remedial work Site Safe has been
facilitating coordination between Health and Safety Managers from the major construction
companies, ACC and the Department of Labour. From 23 June "The majority of greater
Christchurch properties – about 100,000 – have today been given a green light to go ahead
with their repair and rebuilding of their homes," Hon Brownlee said. Site Safe will help pass
on more Canterbury rebuild official information as it is released.
Governance
A new alliance group has been established to coordinate
infrastructure rebuild work in Christchurch. The alliance
includes the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Authority
(CERA), Christchurch City Council (CCC), Fletcher
Construction, Fulton Hogan, Downer Construction, MacDow
New Zealand and City Care. The alliance will use
construction labour from within the Canterbury community.
The alliance is responsible for ground level and
underground infrastructure such as roads and waterways.
Over three quarters of storm water pipes have been
damaged. The civil industry has been quick to make the
necessary repairs clearly visible by the many scars on the
roads.
Earthquake Commission - for work costing between
$10,000 and $100,000
The Earthquake Commission has set up the Project Management Office EQR (for Earthquake
Recovery), and appointed Fletcher Construction as the principal. This is for work costing
between $10,000 and $100,000. Site Safe has been providing safety induction for contractors
and tradespersons who will be working for Fletcher Construction under the Earthquake
Recovery banner. Site Safe have recently launched the ‘Contractor Site Safety Kit’ which
assists smaller sized businesses get a head start on their health and safety requirements for
the earthquake recovery work.
Private insurance – for work costing over $100,000
There are three main insurance companies who are handling claims over $100,000 – AMI,
State and Vero. Main construction contractors who are undertaking contracts are Hawkins
Construction, Mainzeal and Arrow International. Workers and businesses are to comply with
Site Safe passport and site specific safety planning as required in all other major work.
The building scene – shaky ground
Buildings are a combination of parts which sits on land – which is now constantly moving. A
whole raft of issues may come out of an after-shock which can sometimes happen at night.
What began in September as a minor issue is by now, a major issue. To give an idea of how
unstable the ground is; driving around the Christchurch suburb of Kaiapoi, signs read “your
speed shakes our homes” and cars are encouraged to stay under 30 kms per hour.
Construction sites are to be monitored at least daily to see whether new hazards have arisen.
3

Construction workers – health and safety concerns
Key issues facing Cantabrians are now chronic fatigue, stress and anxiety resulting from the
three major earthquakes and over 7000 aftershocks. Throughout the shaky period since last
September, the main hazards for construction workers to watch for have been:
• Keeping public safe
• People working at height with no plan to stop themselves from falling
• The amount of dust and other poisons (such as asbestos) in the atmosphere from
the amount of demolition - this can be partly controlled by dampening down the
affected area with a hose
• Confined space work in demolition sites
• Do workers have an emergency plan?
The legal side
From 19 May 2011 within the three local authority areas in greater Christchurch: Christchurch
City, Waimakariri, and Selwyn District Councils the following laws have been passed by the
Department of Building and Housing. The seismic hazard factor for the design of all buildings
has increased by 35 per cent from 0.22 to 0.3. Additionally, concrete floor foundations for
housing will need to be tied and reinforced. These changes are likely to increase new
residential building work costs from $2,000 to $9,000 per property, depending on the house
size, foundation and the state of the ground.
For more information about what the government has organised for the Canterbury
earthquake recovery:
www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/special-feature-canterbury-earthquakes-recovery
To read the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011
www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2011/0012/latest/DLM3653522.html
As you drive around Christchurch the enormous amount of work is visible, however, with the
necessary public consultancy and engineering planning to be done – the timing of workflow is
uncertain. Once work gets more underway, the sheer enormity of the work must not
undermine safe working practises. While Cantabrians need to have their buildings restored
and rebuilt, it is vital that the rebuilding is designed and built properly and takes into account
what has been learnt from the past earthquakes – healthier, safer and more sustainable
construction. No more injuries and deaths need to come out of the rebuild of Canterbury.
Trade Specific
Builders
NZS 3604:2011
The revised timber-framed buildings Standard - NZS 3604:2011 is available now. NZS 3604
provides guidance to builders, architects, engineers, designers, and students for the design
and construction of timber-framed structures not requiring specific engineering design. The
Standard is a core resource for building consent authorities determining compliance with the
New Zealand Building Code.
For information about what's new with timber treatment go to the Department of Building and
Housing website.
4

Electrical - Re-Licensing for 2011/2012
From the 23 May 2011 the Electrical Workers Registration
Board contacted all registered electricians to advise them to
apply to renew their licenses online at
http://ewr.dbh.govt.nz/OnlineAccount/Login.aspx .
Site Safe offers the safety refresher training (including CPR
and Basic First Aid training) in line with the Electrical Workers
Registration Board requirements on the Site Safe Electrical
Passport.
For more information see:
Electrical Workers Registration Board website @ www.ewrb.govt.nz
- under Training
The Site Safe Electrical Passport Training Course on www.sitesafe.org.nz
Plumbing, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
Public consultation opens for the Plumbing, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board draft
competencies for registration and licensing.
Click here to go to the Plumbing, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board website and see the
document.
Submissions close on 11 July 2011.
Government Updates
ACC
Reviewing New Zealand's Accident Compensation System
Past, current and future arrangements for accident compensation in New Zealand were
debated at a conference about the acc scheme in Wellington during May 2011. The
conference provided a forum for debate about accident compensation by industry
representatives, academics, private insurers, and politicians.
The original concept of the acc Scheme, arising from the Woodhouse Report in the early
1970’s was examined along with presenters who covered topics such as the private insurers’
perspective, disputes resolution, experience rating and overseas experience with experience
rating and competition.
A highlight was the address by Hon David Caygill who led a Government Stocktake of acc
and its accounts. A report on the stocktake’s findings was produced earlier this year and the
5

Government has since signalled its intention os matters such as opening up the acc Work
account to competition. The stocktake noted the acc accredited Employer Programme was
proving successful. This programme mainly covers larger employers who manage their own
risk and accident insurance. The stocktake found that employers in this programme achieved
lower inured injury rates and costs than other employers. The Government has considered
the stocktake’s finding and made decisions such as;
• more employers will encouraged to join the accredited employer Programme due it’s
success in reducing injuries and costs
• the acc Work account will be opened to competition. This means that other insurers
besides acc will be able to offer workplace accident insurance from April 2012
The Department of Labour has commenced public consultation to progress these matters.
Specifically the consultation is eeking views on proposals to :
• extending the accredited Employers programme and offering other risk-sharing
options
• introducing choice in the acc Work account
Submissions need to be made by 5pm on 15 July 2011. Details can be found on
www.dol.govt.nz/consultation/increasing-choice/
acc has recently published a Statement of Intent for 2011-2014. The document indicates
where acc will focus its efforts. One area of focus listed will be improving the choice and
range of products for businesses, and be able to adapt to meet needs and expectations. (For
details go to www.acc.co.nz )
Department of Labour
New Action Plan To Reduce Construction Injuries
The Hon Kate Wilkinson, the Minister of Labour has launched a new Construction Sector
Action Plan that sets a broad direction to reduce injuries in the construction industry over the
next 3 years. The launch took place on 26 May 2011 at a Kaiapoi construction site, just north
of Christchurch.
Published by the Department of Labour, the Action Plan was developed following consultation
in 2010 with various industry organisations including employers, unions, safety, training and
the newly established Construction Safety Council.
The Action Plan includes four ‘action areas’ which are broad based initiatives aimed at
reducing the construction industry injury toll. There is a primary focus on slips, trips and falls
from heights. The intention is to include all parts of the industry over the next 3 years in
activities such as:
• significantly reduce workplace injury and fatality rates
• put effective programmes in place to achieve the injury reductions
• provide reliable health and safety data
• create partnerships with government and industry to improve health and safety
Similar action plans for other industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, forestry and
fishing are under development.
6

Site Safe will continue to work with the Department and ACC under an existing partnership
agreement to promote Member’s views and priorities for activities that will best reduce
construction injuries.
The Construction Sector Action Plan can be viewed on www.dol.govt.nz
Employment Agreements - A Must For Everyone
From 1 July 2011, all employers must keep a copy of every employee's signed employment
agreement or current terms and conditions of employment. This requirement also extends to
employers who have hired employees on a verbal agreement.
See the Department of Labour website for more information.
The New Zealand Guidelines for the Management and Removal of Asbestos - March
2011
These comprehensive guidelines provide extensive information on safe and compliant
asbestos management and removal processes, specifically targeting those within the
asbestos removal industry, Consultants, Clients and Employers and Building Owners.
You can view the html version of the guideline page on the Department of Labour website or
the guide is available for purchase from New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association
Department of Building and Housing
What's new with timber treatment?
The Acceptable Solution B2/AS1 has changed. The timber
treatment hazard class H1.2 is now required for radiata pine
and Douglas fir timber in buildings, where it is protected from
the weather (ie. enclosed timber framing). Research shows that
H1.2 gives framing timber good protection from decay. H1.2
boron treatment is colour-coded pink.
From 1 July 2011 onwards, only the new B2/AS1 can be used
as an Acceptable Solution.
Health and Safety
Timber treatments generally consist of chemicals that need to
be handled safely and appropriately. Important measures to take when using treated timber,
especially hazard classes H3 and above, are:
• reduce contact by wearing gloves, goggles and a dust mask
• don't burn off-cuts or cook with them
• dispose of waste in an approved landfill
• wash your hands before using the toilet, smoking or eating
• wash work clothes separately
7

• ventilate work spaces as much as you can
• working with solvent-damp timber is not advised, solvent-damp timber should be
allowed to properly dry off before use.
Note: Boron has been used commercially as a timber preservative in New Zealand since the
1950s, with no known health issues for timber users or building inhabitants.
For more information and to read the The Building Code and Acceptable Solution B2/AS1
quick guide booklet, see www.dbh.govt.nz/pink-is-tough-timber-treatment
This document is issued as guidance under section 175 of the Building Act 2004.
Health and Safety Updates – National
Events
Conferenz
Health and Safety in Construction
29 - 30 August 2011, Rendezvous Hotel, Auckland
The Health and Safety in the Construction Forum will showcase case studies and
presentations from leading figures in the construction industry, offer practical tips on how to
improve your organisations health and safety performance and discuss future government
strategies in the development of safer construction sector.
This event will focus on construction specific safety risks:
• Achieving better health and safety outcomes during construction projects through
greater pre construction health and safety planning
• Emergency response health and safety plans on a work site
• Monitoring and measuring health and safety performance
• Reworking work flows and job processes to develop a safer workplace
• Investigating accidents and near misses
• Effective health and safety management plans in high risk projects
Secure your place today by phoning Conferenz on (09) 912 3616 or email us at
register@conferenz.co.n z .
Register online at www.conferenz.co.nz/conferences/health-safety-construction
8

Jxiang Province
On the 9th May, the Auckland Site Safe office
received a Government delegation from the Jxiang
province of China. The delegation was lead by
Zheng Le Xian Deputy Director of Work Safety,
and Kang Bin Emergency Rescue Commander and
were touring Australia and New Zealand to study
how other countries manage workplace safety.
Site Safe's Auckland regional manager Russell
Parker talked to them about Site Safe's mission
and what activities are currently underway with the
New Zealand construction industry and how that
connects with the New Zealand Health and Safety
in Employment act 1992.
Parker commented that some interesting points there were raised were that "all construction
workers in the Jxiang province are required to go through a base level training programme
that is payed for by the Government". Parker went on to say" they were amazed that Site
Safe was not more supported and utilised by the Department of Labour to assist in policing
the industry."
The Jxiang province area is over 160000 km2 , and has a population of approximately 39.66
million. Their nominal GDP for 2009 was 765 billion yuan (112.1 billion USD).
Safeguard Winners
Congratulations to the following Site Safe members for winning big at the annual Safeguard
health and safety awards.
• Electrix Ltd
• Royal Air New Zealand Airforce
• Jay Lauten from Fletcher Construction
And a big congratulations to the Taranaki Safety Construction Group for best leadership of an
industry sector
H&S Seminars
Human Factors in Developing a Safety Culture - 31- August 2011 - Auckland
Key Learning Objective:
- Gain an understanding of the human factors contributing to workplace safety
For more details go to:
http://www.conferenz.co.nz/training/human-factors-developing-safety-culture
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Reducing Drug & Alcohol Risk in the Workplace - 1- September 2011 - Auckland
Key Learning Objectives:
- Gain an understanding of different drugs being used/abused and their impact on the
workplace
- Understand your legal rights and responsibilities as an employer under OSH and
employment legislation
- Learn how to safely and ethically implement workplace drug testing in your organisation
For more details go to:
http://www.conferenz.co.nz/training/reducing-drug-alcohol-risk-work-place
2012 World Safety Conference to be held in New Zealand
The 10th World Safety Conference is going to be held in Wellington 1-5th October 2012. The
theme will be "Connecting pathways for a vibrant and safer future", the conference will bring
together the world's leading injury prevention and safety researchers, practicioners and
advocates. The conference will be organised by ACC, Safer Communities Foundation New
Zealand (SCFNZ), Injury Prevention Research Unit and co-sponsored by the World Health
Organisation.
The conference will have a focus on positive safety culture and safer environments.
For more information see www.conference.co.nz/worldsafety2012
2011 National Safety Show - The Latest Innovations, Equipment and Technology!
ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland September 2011, 21-22 September 10am-4pm
This trade show is free for people involved in the safety industry and is the largest event in
New Zealand dedicated to workplace safety and provides those concerned with the
opportunity to explore new products, services and innovations from the safety industry.
Site Safe New Zealand will be introducing an innovative range of Safety Manager products.
Safety Manager has been developed to simplify the health and safety Management
coordination process.
10

What's New
Health and Safety award (3M) - enter now!
Last year the Taranaki Construction Safety Group won the 3M award for innovation in health
and safety. The awards now in the ninth year promote excellence in health and safety for the
New Zealand workforce.
The closing date for applications is September 26, 2011, and entries can be submitted to
3msafetynz@mmm.com. Alternatively, written entries can be posted to 3MNZ Ltd, PO Box
33246, Takapuna, Auckland.
Hard Hat Tool Box Talk - New!
The use of occupational protective helmets, commonly
known as "hard hats", is a common means of protection
from being struck by falling objects or from striking the head
against a fixed or protruding object. Hard hats may also be
required to protect against other hazards such as
inadvertent contact with electricity, exposure to UV, weather,
and extremes of temperature.
• When must hard hats be worn?
• How do you identify signs of wear or damage to a hard hat?
• How do you correctly store a hard hat when not in use?
To find out the answers to these questions and more go to the Site Safe website or see the
tool box talk at the end of this newsletter.
You can print out the full Toolbox Talk sheet to take to your next safety meeting.
Health and Safety Industry Updates –
International
CPR Changes
The CPR international committee known as ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on
Resuscitation) reviews all of the research completed on CPR every five years.The key CPR
changes in 2011 are not major like some years, and the most obvious change is that CPR
steps are now the same for all adults, children and infants. This change will also assist all
learning and retention of CPR techniques.
The CPR 2011 guidelines are published on the New Zealand Resuscitation Council (NZRC)
website. For information on CPR courses, visit www.stjohn.org.nz or phone 0800 FIRSTAID
(0800 347 782)
The Site Safe Electrical Passport also incorporates an additional hour and a half for a First
Aid / CPR refresher onto the standard four hour passport course, allowing electrical workers
to achieve all sets of training for licensing renewal.
11

Mesothelioma Center (Asbestos.com)
With more than 3,000 pages of content, the Asbestos.com website features information on
asbestos, mesothelioma, and other cancers that are caused by asbestos exposure.
Asbestos.com has achieved HON code approval (Health On the Net (HON) Foundation is a
not-for-profit foundation that works to preserve the accuracy and trustworthiness of Webbased
medical information). The site employs a full staff of writers dedicated to research
asbestos exposure and the diseases that result from exposure to the toxic mineral. In
addition, the medical adviser and editor, Dr. Mauricio Salazar,M.D., has worked in the field of
cancer treatment for years, and has personally reviewed, edited, and approved all medical
information on the site.
For more information see www.asbestos.com
Create Your Own Workplace Poster or Wallpaper
You can use your own photos to create personalised WorkSafe posters or wallpapers to
remind you of why a safe workplace is so important.
For more information see the WorkSafe Victoria website at: http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
New at Site Safe
Site Safe AGM
The Site Safe Annual General Meeting will be held on 7 September, in Wellington.
If you are going to be in or near Wellington on that date, put it in your diary now.
Members can expect to hear from us with more details as the time gets closer.
Welcome New Trade Association Members!
• Brick & Blocklayers Federation of NZ - www.bbfnz.co.nz
• Fencing Contractors Assn of NZ (FCANZ) - www.fencingcontractors.co.nz
• New Zealand Sign & Display Association (Inc) - www.signs.org.nz
Insulation Association of New Zealand -
www.iaonz.co.nz
IAONZ has been formed with the primary objective to
establish nationwide performance benchmarks for the
supply and installation of residential insulation.
Established, with the support and involvement of the
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA),
by representatives of the major manufacturers, and
suppliers such as TINZ, AUTEX, INSUPLRO, BRADFORDS and installers in residential
insulation.
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The Insulation industry felt that there need to be
more training and knowledge given to those
involved in stalling insulation than was currently
available.
The primary role of the IAONZ is to establish
nationwide performance benchmarks for the
supply and installation of residential insulation.
The first step is to establish these benchmarks
through an IAONZ training programme. But to do
this they need support.
The IAONZ qualification is expected to become
the required industry standard for insulation installers across all sectors both commercial and
residential.
In line with Site Safe passports it will be required to be renewed every two years and will be a
stepping stone to further training and qualifications, enabling those employed within the
industry to develop a career path and to gain formal recognition for their knowledge and
experience.
Over the past twelve months twenty six training courses run by experienced trainers who
have direct practical experience and theory knowledge of installing insulation have taken
place nation wide. Some 250 installers have completed the one day theory with approximately
70 having completed the full course and now hold the IAONZ passport for installation of
insulation in lightweight framed construction which includes the building and construction
passport required by many companies as part of their site health and safety plans. Graduates
details can be found via www.iaonz.co.nz
IAONZ is talking to relevant Trade Associations, BOINZ and council building inspectors to
raise the awareness inspect to see some movement in this area in the near future.
Consumers too are becoming aware and feed back has been received that the question of
have you got this qualification has been asked. The principles of the installing thermal
insulation can be easily applied to those working commercial environments and apartments.
IAONZ encourages all companies to both join the association and take advantage of the
training available to members and or to use those who hold this passport which confirms they
have the extra skill and knowledge to install thermal insulation on their sites
For details about IAONZ visit http://www.iaonz.co.nz/ email info@iaonz.co.nz
2011 Site Safe Certificate in Construction Site Safety Graduation
Due to the Rugby World Cup being held in New Zealand this year we are delaying the
Graduation until Thursday 10 November, so please leave that date in your calendar free.
The Graduation event is an opportunity to celebrate the success of the 2011 graduates and it
would be great if you could join us at the Ellerslie Event Centre in Auckland. We will be
sending you more information closer to the date around available sponsorship packages and
special deals.
If you are interested in how you can become a Graduate in the Certificate of Construction Site
Safety please email angela@sitesafe.org.nz
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Certificate in Construction Site Safety Continued Professional Development Forums
If you or one of your employees graduated in the Certificate in Construction Site Safety in
2007 or 2009 you will be ready to renew your Certificate Card this year. The easiest way to do
this is by attending the Graduates Continued Professional Development Forum.
At the Forum you will get a chance to get together with Graduates from your region to update
you on new developments in health and safety in the construction industry and help you solve
any health and safety roadblocks you may be coming across.
The Forums are going to be run regionally in September. To book onto these please go to our
on-line booking course calendar at www.sitesafe.org.nz. If you have any questions please
email angela@sitesafe.org.nz
2011 BUILD
Site Safe recently attended the Build Designex trade show from 26-28 June at the ASB showgrounds.
The show served as the official launch for the Contractor and Subbie's Site Safety Kit for
Small Businesses.
New Product Alert!
Contractor & Subbie's Site Safety Kit' -
For Small Businesses
As a membership organisation, Site Safe
strives to provide health and safety
solutions that are valued by industry.
Introducing the new 'Contractor &
Subbie's Site Safety Kit' for small
businesses (1-20 staff), packages from
$150 + GST.
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Maori King earns his first Site Safe Building Passport
The Turangawaewae Marae located in the town of Ngaruawahia in the Waikato region is
currently being revamped. A very special trainee on the onsite building construction passport
course was the Maori King and marae workers. The marae is very significant for Maori people
and it is the headquarters for the Maori King Movement (Te Kingitanga). Hawkins
Construction are conducting the work.
Profiling our National Advisor Team
Site Safe's team of Safety, Health, and Environmental Safety Advisors has steadily grown
in response to the recent needs of the industry in the major cities. We now have four more
Safety Advisors to assist in the central region and the Canterbury region.
Mike Spekreijse
In this edition, we will introduce Mike Spekreijse who is based in
Wellington. Mike joined Site Safe in early 2011. The positions
that Mike has held most recently are with Hawkins Infrastructure
as an on-site operational Health and Safety manager, Fulton
Hogan Ltd as the Wellington Region Safety, Quality, Training and
Environment Manager and Shell Oil NZ as the national Health
Safety, Security and Environmental Manager.
Previously Mike had an extensive career with BP and eventually
became the Regional Engineer for the South Island. This role
required managing multiple projects covering design, construction, H&S and environment.
The experience with BP and world class H&S systems prompted him to change career in
2000 and joined Victoria University as an H&S Advisor to further his H&S knowledge.
Mike's key drive is to coach the smaller to mid size civil construction firms that sound planning
is a key tool to achieve Health and Safety and Environmental excellence and will also provide
the benefit of faster and more productive completion of projects.
Mike can be contacted at the Wellington office or on:
Mobile: 021 797 796
Email: mspekreijse@sitesafe.org.nz
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Prosecution Corner - News from the Courts
There are unfortunately many within our industry who still refuse
to acknowledge the serious risks associated with construction
activities. For those who need to hear about 'the stick' before they decide to change what they
are doing, in this Prosecution Corner is a snapshot of two prosecutions and fines from within
our industry. We would like to thank Safeguard, as prosecution information has been
reproduced from Safeguard CourtBase, www.safeguard.co.nz.
Man thrown 2.5m into the air
A construction company was fined $40,000 and ordered to pay reparation of $15,000 under
s15 of the HSE Act when a man was thrown 2.5m into the air while attempting to act as a
counter weight to a tipping bobcat. An employee of the company was using the bobcat to
unload blocks weighing up to 2 tonnes, when the bobcat's maximum capacity was 815kg. The
injured man, who landed on the cab of the bobcat before falling to the ground suffered
fractures to his wrist and two ribs, and cut his head.
Toppled crane results in fine
A crane company was fined $22,000 under s50(1)(a) of the HSE Act after a crane toppled
over with its boom fully extended onto a fence, footpath and road. The crane's stabilisers
were incorrectly set on sand which gave way.
8 broken ribs from 2.7m fall
A roofing company was fined $10,000 under s6 after an employee fell while laying rubber
membrane. The man lost his balance on a scaffolding plank, which had skewed, and fell back
through a suspended ceiling 2.7m to the carpeted floor below, breaking eight ribs. The DoL
said temporary guard railing or edge protection was required, or the covering of voids with
thick sheets of plywood or scaffold planks.
Council has built up a significant knowledge base on the quality of work being carried out by
contractors working within the Council's area of responsibility.
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Helpful Links
MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS
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promotions, website results, effective database use and communication with customers.
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POST EARTHQUAKE - USEFUL WEBSITE ADDRESSES
Christchurch City Council:
Earthquake Commission (EQC):
Insurance Companies:
Ministry of Education:
(Updates for Schools &
Early Childhood Centres)
Canterbury District Health Board:
(Updates as available)
Ministry of Health:
(Good information about coping
with disasters & stress)
Details of earthquakes:
University of Canterbury:
Environment Canterbury:
Ministry of Social Development (Welfare):
Press Releases from the Beehive:
www.ccc.govt.nz
www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz
www.eqc.govt.nz
www.ami.co.nz
www.state.co.nz
www.tower.co.nz
www.vero.co.nz
www.amp.co.nz
www.nzi.co.nz
www.minedu.govt.nz
www.cdhb.govt.nz
www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf
www.geonet.org.nz
www.canterbury.ac.nz
www.ecan.govt.nz
www.msd.govt.nz
www.beehive.govt.nz
Hard-copy Safety Insite Newsletter
If any member wishes to receive this newsletter in hard copy, please let us know and we will arrange for it to be
sent to you. Please contact Lauren Cahill - lcahill@sitesafe.org.nz or ring 04 494 8334.
General Site Safe Feedback / Enquiry
Our Contacts:
Upper North Island: 09 634 0365
Lower North Island: 04 499 2509
South Island: 03 348 5788
For general enquiries: comments@sitesafe.org.nz
If you do have feedback regarding our membership newsletter we would appreciate hearing from you. Contact
Lauren Cahill 04 494 8334 or email lcahill@sitesafe.org.nz
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Partnering Trade Associations
Association of Consulting Engineers of NZ (ACENZ)
Association of Wall & Ceiling Industries of NZ Inc (AWCINZ)
Auckland Painting Contractors Association
BCITO
Brick & Blocklayers Federation of NZ
Electrical Contractors Association of NZ (ECANZ)
Fencing Contractors Assn of NZ (FCANZ)
Fire Protection Association NZ
HVAC Contractors Association
Landscape Industries Association of NZ (LIANZ)
Master Painters New Zealand Association
Northern Amalgamated Workers Union
NZ Building Trades Union
NZ Contractors Federation
NZ Heavy Haulage Association
NZ Institute of Architects (NZIA)
New Zealand Sign & Display Association (Inc)
Opportunity - The Training Organisation
Refrigeration Air Conditioning Companies Assn - RACCA
Registered Master Builders
Roofing Association of New Zealand
Scaffolding & Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ) Ltd
Steel Construction New Zealand
Window Association of NZ (Inc)
www.acenz.org.nz
www.awcinz.org.nz
www.akmasterpainters.co.nz
www.bcito.org.nz
www.bbfnz.co.nz
www.ecanz.org.nz
www.fencingcontractors.co.n z
www.fireprotection.org.nz
www.hvac.org.nz
www.lianz.org.nz
www.masterpainters.co.nz
www.awunz.org.nz
www.nzbtu.org.nz
www.nzcontractors.co.nz
www.hha.org.nz
www.nzia.co.nz
www.signs.org.nz
www.opportunitytraining.org.nz
www.racca.org.nz
www.masterbuilder.org.nz
www.roofingassn.org.nz
www.sarnz.org.nz
www.scnz.org
www.wanz.org.nz
PRINT THIS NEWSLETTER >>
Site Safe would like to hear from members regarding safety or industry links that you find useful, and we will add
them to this section of the newsletter.
Please email Lauren Cahill - lcahill@sitesafe.org.nz
NEWSLETTER ENDS.
18

PERSONAL
PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT -
HARD HATS
Introduction
The use of occupational protective helmets, commonly known as “hard hats”, is a common means
of protection from being struck by falling objects or from striking the head against a fixed or
protruding object. Hard hats may also be required to protect against other hazards such as
inadvertent contact with electricity, exposure to UV, weather, and extremes of temperature.
For compliance with the Health and Safety Act 1992, the use of hard hats for protection must be
considered as a means of ‘minimisation’. If no practicable means to entirely ‘eliminate’ or ‘isolate’
the hazard are available then hard hats may be a practicable method to ‘minimise’ harm in
conjunction other preferable hazard control methods.
Main points
• Hard hats may include features that enable the attachment of accessories for protection
from other hazards. These could include face shields, respirators, hearing protection, and
work lights/lamps. Consideration should also be given to the benefits or limitations of
having ventilation openings and hi-viz colouring.
• For the harness cradle to properly distribute any impact loading there must be no
interference between the harness and the head. Therefore, wearing clothing items
between the harness and the head (such as hoods, baseball caps, and thickly woven or
heavily seamed beanies or balaclavas) is not recommended. Certain hairstyles (such as
dreadlocks) may also compromise the harness performance.
o Safety clothing distributors now offer seamless polypropylene (or similar)
‘beanies’ for protection from cold that do not interfere with the harness
performance.
• Some styles of harness are symmetrically designed and may be fitted back to front inside
the helmet to provide functional upward vision for the wearer. Care must be taken that this
does not compromise the effectiveness of the hard hat.
• Hard hats do not have a predetermined service life. Field tests have shown that helmet
shells last for 3 years from issue date. Components of harnesses may deteriorate more
rapidly in service and may need to be replaced at intervals not longer than 2 years.
Discussion points
• The harness cradle of the hard hat must be adjusted to comfortably fit and make for full
continuous contact with head.
• Chin straps can be used where hard hat security is desirable
• Ensure that any attachments for protection from other hazards are compatible with the
make and model of hard hat being worn.
• When not in use, hard hats must be stored in a cool, dry environment away from direct
sunlight, heavy or sharp objects and chemicals.
• The shell of the hard hat can be weakened by exposure to paints, paint thinners, and
some cleaning agents and may also reduce electrical resistance. Keep in mind that paint
and stickers can also hide signs of deterioration in the hard hat shell.
PTO.
19

PERSONAL
PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT -
HARD HATS
• Ultraviolet radiation (UV) and extreme heat can reduce the strength of the hard hats.
Damage caused by UV can be identified as the hard hat will lose its glossy finish and
eventually take on a chalky appearance.
• A hard hat may be cleaned by immersing in warm water and detergent, scrubbing, and
rinsing in clear warm water.
• Sweat bands must be regularly replaced as required for hygiene purposes.
• Unauthorised modifications to the shell and harness are not permitted
BETTER HELMET THAN HELL MET
Activities
Spend a few minutes discussing the specific tasks/activities on your site. What are the hazards?
Which activities could harm your head? What PPE is available? Who are the trained first aiders?
This is also a good time to go over the correct usage of hard hats – ensuring PPE is not damaged in
any way, is being worn correctly and fits properly etc.
Questions and Answers
When must hard hats be worn?
• If told to do so by your employer or main contractor.
• If signage says it’s required.
• If hazard board says head protection required.
• If hazards have been identified that require head protection.
How do you identify signs of wear or damage to a hard hat?
• The loss of its glossy finish and having a chalky appearance.
• Any puncture or cracking of helmet shell.
• Any deterioration or damage to the hard hat harness.
• Any damage to the connections between harness and shell.
How do you correctly store a hard hat when not in use?
• In a cool, dry environment.
• Away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Away from heavy or sharp objects and chemicals.
Related Topics
1. PPE - Eyes
2. PPE – Clothing
3. PPE – Ear Protection
4. PPE – Skin
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