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Worksafe NZ Reminds Us Of The Risks Of Sleep Deprivation

 Fatigue and sleep deprivation have numerous possible risks for workers and employers which is why WorkSafe New Zealand recently urged all workers to take stock of how much sleep they are actually getting.
Through its Chief Executive Nicole Rosie, WorkSafe New Zealand reminded workers to ensure they get enough sleep because fatigue and sleep deprivation can compromise safety and health, not only for the sleep deprived worker themselves but even others on the work site.
Rosie said with Daylight Saving it was a perfect time to check the amount of sleep we’re getting and ensure we’re healthy and safe at work by being well rested.
She highlighted that tired and fatigued people are 30 per cent more likely to have a workplace accident. This should be enough of an incentive for workers and businesses to manage fatigue and the associated risks.

Source: http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/09/sleep-deprivation-compromise-work-safety-reminds-worksafe-nz-chief/#.WeSbxzC1vIU

Man trapped in Construction Site Pit

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A worker recently had to be rescued from a 2 metre deep pit which he fell into on a building site in Melbourne’s north-east.

The man, believed to be 40 years old, was stuck in the pit for about an hour as firefighters worked to get the man out.

The man was rescued eventually at 1:15pm and paramedics assessed him at the site in Mernda at Regent Street.

The man was stuck 2 metres below ground level. WorkSafe Victoria also visited the site.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/man-trapped-inside-a-pit-on-a-construction-site-20160923-grmy7m.html

Withstanding Nature through Construction Innovation

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An innovative wave-shaped steel piping promises to enhance the durability of water and oil pipes that traverse earthquake prone fault lines.

The piping which has undergone testing by engineers at Cornell University proved effective at staying intact under pressure.

The steel pipe was developed by Japan’s JFE Holdings.

The pipes wave shape allows it to bend and compress when subjected to heavy force, as opposed to bursting as other conventional pipes do under pressure.

Find out more at: https://sourceable.net/wave-shaped-pipes-capable-better-withstanding-earthquakes/

Fatality on Construction Site Results in $300,000 Fine

justicescales

A Melbourne construction company has received a fine of $300,000  for a fatal wall collapse that happened in June 2014. The court found that the company should have known the freestanding structure could be dangerous.

The tragic incident resulted in the death of Michael Klanja, a carpenter and father of 2. Mr Klanja died after a strong wind blew down the brick wall at the Brighton East construction site, where he was working as a contractor.

The structure did not have proper bracing and the company should have known that it would have fallen on a windy day. The wall had been standing for just 10 days.

 

Find out more https://sourceable.net/vic-builder-fined-300k-after-death/

Improving Youth Employment in Construction

apprentice training 2

One of the challenges facing the construction industry and the community at large is the declining number of young people starting and completing construction trade apprenticeships.

In an effort to address youth unemployment and the lack of skilled labour in the construction industry, the federal government recently offered incentives to companies to encourage them to hire young people to train as apprentices.

In some parts of the country, youth unemployment is as high as 25 per cent. Also new apprenticeship registrations have fallen 20 per cent between 2014 and 2015. As an article on Sourceable.net pointed out, we need to look at ways to create greater practical exposure to construction trades for students to help them understand the nature of the work and make informed choices when the elect to pursue a skilled trades career.

See more at https://sourceable.net/youth-employment-it-takes-three-to-tango/

Construction Hiring on the Rise

electrical power lines
Source: www.osha.gov

If the last 3 months are anything to go by, construction activity and subsequently construction hiring is booming. In the last 3 months of 2015 there were more construction workers hired than any other time since 2006, according to an article on MarketWatch.com.

As home building activity grew at the end of last year, this gave a boost to employment in the sector. The Department of Labor added that December capped the strongest 3 month period for job gains in construction since 2006, with employers adding 45,000 workers to the sector.

Economists have predicted commercial construction is also likely to increase which will result in even higher hiring rates as this type of construction can be more labor intensive.

Source: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/strengthening-construction-hiring-bodes-well-for-home-building-and-the-economy-2016-01-08

Rise in Construction Activity in Australia and US

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Source: DailyMail.co.uk

Building products supplier Boral has seen its profits soar due to the rise in construction activity in Australia and the USA. The company posted a strong 48 per cent rise in full-year profit to $257 million mostly due to the boost in building activity in both countries.

With New South Wales leading all other states in Australia in the housing market, Boral’ largest division – construction materials and cement – saw its earnings rise 9 per cent.

Find out more at http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-27/boral-profit-soars-as-construction-picks-up/6728832

250 New Construction Jobs created by Windfarm Project

windfarm
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

According to the latest reports, The Hornsdale Wind Farm construction in South Australia is imminent and once construction begins, it is expected to create around 250 jobs.

Work is expected to start within the next few months with Catcon having been confirmed for civil construction works and CPP for electrical works, according to Neoen Australia Managing Director Franck Woitiez in an article on Geelong Advertiser.

Click to find out more.