Health and Safety stories
Poor workplace design and repetitive tasks can trigger aches, injuries and chronic pain, with risk rising as more factors combine.
Road workers and motorists could face fewer delays as traffic management shifts to site-specific risk assessments under new guidance.
WorkSafe says exposure to cancer-causing agents remains widespread, with 57.5% of workers probably affected, raising work-related death risks.
Water-damaged homes can expose residents to spores that trigger asthma, respiratory infections and other health problems.
Wellington City Council faces a NZD $6 million repair bill after 17,000 LED streetlights proved unsafe in strong winds.
Operators could face new competency checks as WorkSafe seeks feedback on rules covering mining and quarrying certificates of competence.
Modelling suggests scrapping the seven-day rule could lift hospital admissions and deaths by up to 25% over six months.
Offshore wind could help bridge Australia’s huge clean-power gap, with grid demand set to double by 2050 under net zero plans.
With injuries and labour shortages biting, wearable robotics are being trialled to cut strain, lift productivity and keep workers on the job.
A new industry panel will shape New Zealand’s switch to risk-based roadworks safety rules, with 12 appointees chosen from 38 applicants.
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.
Worksites remain vulnerable to falls, electrocution and fire, with the risk of serious injury or death still high without strict controls.
A West Auckland bakery has been fined GBP £18,000 after two workers suffered severe hand injuries from unguarded machines.
Workers face contamination risks from flood silt, with WorkSafe warning of germs, chemicals and asbestos during clean-up.
Poor mental wellbeing is fuelling accidents on sites, prompting calls for first aiders who can spot distress and prevent injuries before they happen.
WorkSafe and Water Safety New Zealand warn pond owners to fence off hazards after a council's sentencing over three-year-old Lachlan Jones' death.
A Northland orchard worker was left with permanent vision damage after a wire snapped, exposing failures in training, supervision and PPE use.
Real-time sensors are helping contractors avoid costly consent breaches, complaints and delays by flagging noise, dust and vibration risks early.
A Tauranga skip-bin firm has been fined NZD $250,000 after a new worker was crushed and left with life-changing brain injuries.
Communities face repeated outages and costly repairs unless planners shift to more resilient, wellbeing-based infrastructure decisions.
