THE CANTERBURY REBUILD SAFETY & TRADE SUPPLEMENT
• THE COSTLY BUSINESS OF FALLS FROM HEIGHTS • PROTECTING YOUR EARS ON SITE • SURGERY FOR A MAJOR COMMUTER ARTERY • INSIDE THE SCIENCE OF LAND MAPPING • GETTING READY FOR WINTER
NEWS
Surgery for Moorhouse business and commuter artery SCIRT’s earthquake repair work on the Moorhouse Ave overbridge started mid-February. With around 35,000 vehicles (both east and westbound) daily, right next to the bustling commercial and industrial areas of the city, the overbridge is an essential route for goods and people. With this in mind, it is a priority for SCIRT’s Downer team to ensure the impacts of the construction work are minimised wherever possible, along with ensuring traffic flow will continue over, under and alongside the overbridge.
The overbridge has been partly supported on temporary steel cross braces since soon after the February 2011 earthquake. These need to be removed and the permanent repair constructed.
Business access unimpeded Throughout the 20 months of earthquake repairs, entrances to businesses along the side of the overbridge will be open. Businesses are advertising on safety fencing just in case anyone thinks anything has changed for them.
First traffic change March to May, then switch sides With the bridge repair off to a smooth start, March will see the first change to the traffic
management. One of the eastbound lanes will be taken out to allow for work on the bridge abutments and wingwalls. • The slip lane down the side of the bridge will still be open to through traffic, so consider that option • Expect to see scaffolding up and over the side of the bridge. The eastbound lane closure will be in place for about three months, followed by switching sides for the westbound side
to the cross beam. As the piers in the centre have to be fully demolished and rebuilt, this will occur last, finally enabling the temporary bracing to be safely removed. “This is a technically difficult project working with post-tensioned cables within the concrete,” says Phil Owen, project manager. “Because of this and the location and the need to keep traffic moving, it presents an exciting challenge for SCIRT and the engineering team.”
• At any one time, the aim is to only close one lane on the overbridge and make good use of the slip lanes.
Site office Pilgrim Place SCIRT’s Downer crew has set up a site office in nearby Pilgrim Place. Eight of the ten concrete bridge piers or supports will be strengthened first with new concrete jackets around existing columns and an extension
For information on this project or any SCIRT project, email info@scirt.co.nz SCIRT has two more years of essential infrastructure repairs to do, funded by central and local government.
TRADE BREAKFAST
Managing dust & noise in construction WorkSafe New Zealand, ACC and TriEx are hosting a free trade breakfast for the construction industry on occupational health in construction, focusing on dust & noise. Hear what you can do to protect yourselves and your workers from these hazards, see a practical demonstration of how to properly fit PPE, learn how Fulton Hogan manages occupational health and hear the results from a joint ACC and WorkSafe study into silica in the rebuild.
BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED When: 7-9am, Thursday 26 March 2015 Where: Rydges Latimer, Latimer Square, Christchurch
^ Phil Owen, project manager, and Dean Bennett, project engineer, at the Moorhouse Ave overbridge site.
RSVP to liz.richardson@worksafe.govt.nz by 19 March 2015. You will be able to claim two Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) points by attending this event if it meets the requirements in your particular license class. Next Safety Charter event is 10th June 2015.
At Canterbury Today, we would like to express our thanks for the support that the advertisers have shown in this supplement and their commitment to a safe rebuild of Canterbury.
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PUBLISHER: Gary Collins BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Clive Greenwood PRO CO-ORDINTATOR: Carolynne Brown WORKSAFE EDITORIAL : Kate Wright
EDITORIAL: Jonathan Taylor DESIGN: Jarred Shakespeare PRINTING: Guardian Print
THE REBUILD SAFET Y & TRADE SUPPLEMENT – MARCH/APRIL 2015
PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 47B Birmingham Drive, Middleton, PO Box 1879, Christchurch, New Zealand POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 1879, Christchurch Mail Centre, Christchurch 8140 PHONE: +64 3 961 5050 | FAX: 0800 555 054 (New Zealand only) +64 3 961 5112 (International)
Bonisch Consultants Land surveying is the science of mapping and measuring land, but it’s a definition which belies its integral nature. It is a role which is essential to getting the foundation blocks for the rebuild of Christchurch right. “As the city moves from demolition to rebuild mode, the definition of legal boundaries and building set-out becomes more important,” Bonisch Consultants co-director Craig Ireland explains. “With the shallow surface movement a lot of the survey marks have moved making boundary definition quite complex.” Founded in Southland by Noel Bonisch more than 40 years ago, Bonisch Consultants provided surveying services to some of the region’s biggest projects, including Tiwai Point, Manapouri Power Scheme and Fonterra at Edendale.
I would have no hesitation recommending Bonisch to any prospective party wanting the services they offer.” There’s a saying ‘measure twice, cut once’ and, when it comes to anything to do with your land – construction, subdivision, buying or selling – it’s a saying which can save you thousands of hours and dollars. So when it comes to your property or development, make sure you get the right partner behind you.
Boundaries If you are considering building post-quake, the boundary definition may have been affected by shallow surface movement. Bonisch Consultants can survey your boundary or alternatively set-out your new build before issuing a building location certificate as required. If in doubt, give them a call. Boundary services include: • Boundary re-definition • Site (topo) surveys
In 2009 Bonisch Consultants journeyed north to assist existing Canterbury clients with several land development projects, including a multi-lot rural subdivision near Cust and new retirement village/care facilities in Rangiora and Ilam.
• Building set-out
“Post-earthquake we have maintained this presence in Christchurch to assist with the rebuild where required and to provide professional services to new and existing clients,” Craig says.
• Building location certificate
As the company’s reputation for quality and service grew, so too did staff numbers which, now stand at more than 20 today - with five of those based locally – cater for a wide range of related professional services, including land development, civil engineering and resource management planning. The firm employs several experienced cadastral surveyors who are current with Land Information New Zealand Guidelines and are able to help with the complexities of post-quake boundary definition. Another area of expertise for the company is in the design and implementation of site works which are required as a component of commercial and industrial buildings. “We undertake straight forward designs that are logical to construct, we assist during implementation and provide a full set of compliance documentation,” Craig says. “This allows clients to focus fully on the building task at hand knowing the total project will come together seamlessly at the end.”
• Finished floor level • Height in relation to boundary • Boundary adjustment or subdivision.
Site works Undertaking a commercial or industrial build? Specialising in site work services that complement a building activity, Bonisch Consultants can be your site works partner, assisting with: • Land use and subdivision consents • Ecan consents • Building consents for civil work/drainage • Signage consents • Site levels and boundary locations • Earthworks design and volumes
Long-time employees of the firm – Craig Ireland and Boyd Wilson – took over the reins on Noel Bonisch’s retirement, registering Bonisch Consultants Limited in 2010 and today the company continues to grow and diversify under their leadership.
• Kerb and pavement design for carparks/roading
Their wide-ranging industry experience has helped build on solid foundations to position the firm today as a rapidly expanding South Island leader, with nationwide reach.
• Water connections including backflow requirements
Work on many high profile projects around the region has earned Bonisch Consultants a reputation for providing a superior level of service, utilising state of the art technology, innovative design and sound project management. Bupa Care Services engaged Bonisch Consultants to complete a number of projects. National development manager – property, Peter Lawrence says what was most beneficial was Bonisch’s willingness to partner with the residential care provider to provide the best outcome for their developments. “Their practical and solution based approach has allowed us to achieve design and budget restrictions as well as oversight, selection and negotiations with contractors to complete the works,” Peter says. “We have found their team friendly and very thorough, always acting in the best interests of the client.
• Primary waste water connections • Stormwater management including onsite designs if required • Integrated service designs for power/UFB/lighting • Construction survey setout • Soft/hard landscaping design • Full compliance including producer statements. With Bonisch Consultants as your site works partner, the client is left to focus on the building activity with the knowledge that all elements of the development are in place, ensuring a successfully completed project.
bonisch
consultants
506 Blenheim Road, Sockburn , Christchurch Phone: 343 0135 / 027 475 3102 E: craig@bonischconsultants.co.nz
www.bonischconsultants.co.nz
PREPARING FOR WINTER
Chilling out GIVE THE
FLU THE JAB
Knock out the flu before it knocks you!
Visit us online at www.triex.co.nz
TriEx nurses are commencing on-site workplace Flu Vaccinations from late March–May 2015.
0800 FLU JAB (0800 358 522)
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THE REBUILD SAFET Y & TRADE SUPPLEMENT – MARCH/APRIL 2015
PREPARING FOR WINTER
It’s interesting how we all recognise the discomfit of the cold, yet rarely do we consider its effects on us while we work. The effects of the cold can range from increased risk of injury, reduced work rate and quality, and greater potential for damage to plant and equipment.
provides better insulation. Layering also allows easier adjustment as temperature changes. Being too hot is just as challenging as being too cold.
Studies have shown that exposure to even moderately cold temperatures can increase the likelihood of workplace incidents. This is because the body’s response to cold causes a decrease in manual dexterity, fingertip sensitivity and muscle strength decreases.
Fibres
Even single digit temperatures can have a wide range of potential harmful effects. Also, the degree of coldness can be underestimated if other factors such as wind chill are not considered. The cold can also affect the ability to concentrate on the task at hand. It can increase irritability and frustration and may even incline people towards taking shortcuts to get finish faster. So how can you help prevent yourself and your employees from the adverse effects of harsh winter conditions?
Footwear Modern safety footwear is generally well padded, insulated and made from materials such as leather, which allows the boots to breath.
Materials such as polypropylene and polyesters are much better than cotton. Cotton tends to dampen faster and increase the chill effect by robbing body heat. Many technical fabrics are available today draw moisture away from the skin.
Socks
Outer layers Jackets should be rain and wind proof and allow for easy opening and removal. They should also be able to close off and open at the waist, neck and wrists to help control heat and excess sweating. Always make outer layers high visibility.
Hats A Merino wool or polypropylene hat worn under a hard hat can reduce excessive heat loss. Heavy or thick beanies should be avoided, as they will affect the fit and effectiveness of the hard hat.
One pair of thick socks, or two pairs (one inner sock of polypropylenes, nylon or thin wool and a larger thick sock for the outer) is suitable for cold conditions. However, caution must be applied, particularly if the wearer has diabetes or circulation problems, as the thickness of fabric will cause tighter fitting of the safety boots.
Face and eye protection In extremely harsh conditions, face and eye protection is appropriate. Make sure the lenses are separated from the nose and mouth to prevent fogging and frosting.
Food, shelter and wellbeing
Hand protection
Food and liquid intake are essential to maintain body heat and prevent dehydration. More energy is exerted when working in cold conditions as the body is working hard to keep warm.
According to MBIE, when manual handling needs to take place for more than 10 - 20 minutes at temperatures below 16°C, special precautions need to be put in place, such as providing warm air blowers or insulated handles on tools. Gloves are also an option, but these can become bulky and affect a worker’s manual dexterity – so try to fix these concerns so safety does not become compromised.
MBIE states that if continuous work is carried out in temperatures below 0°C, heated warming shelters such as cabins or ‘smoko’ rooms should be available. A strict timetable for breaks should be allowed to let employees warm up and change into dry clothes. A business could also look into investing in flu shots for their employees as a potential sickness prevention strategy.
Layers
Maintenance
Training
Clothing should be worn in multiple layers: the air between the layers of clothing
Clothes and equipment should be kept clean and dry.
Workers and supervisors should be trained in recognising the symptoms of adverse
Consider the following points when protecting yourself and your employees from severe winter conditions. Personal protective equipment Clothing and other Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be appropriate to the weather conditions and the level and duration of the task. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), states that protective clothing is necessary for all work carried out in less than four degrees C, taking into consideration the effect of wind chill. Particular PPE you could pay attentiom too are:
effect to cold exposure. Workers should be informed about PPE, safe work practices and emergency procedures in case of injury. While working in the cold, a buddy system should be used. Look out for one another and be alert for the symptoms of hypothermia
Equipment The risk of cold injury can be minimised by good equipment choice and design. Plant, equipment and tools should be designed so that they can be operated without having to remove items of protective clothing. The more complex or fiddly the activity is, the greater the likelihood that PPE will be discarded during the process. If a worker cannot be adequately protected from the effects of cold, then work must be suspended, or work regimes modified, to remove the risk of harm. It’s not about working harder – it’s about working smarter. Mark Walklin is a safety advisor for Site Safe NZ Inc and belongs to a nation wide network of Site Safe Safety Advisors that help promote, advocate and educate the New Zealand construction industry. Site Safe NZ Inc is a not for profit, industry led organisation that promotes a culture of safety in the New Zealand construction and related industries. If you would like to know more about Site Safe and how the organisation can assist you, or talk to one of our safety advisors, then please contact them on 0800 SITE SAFE or visit www.sitesafe.org.nz
WINTER PROTECTION LOCALLY MADE HI-VIS AND TRADE PRICING AVAILABLE CONTACT US: 0800 122 682
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THE REBUILD SAFET Y & TRADE SUPPLEMENT – MARCH/APRIL 2014
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HEIGHT SAFETY
The costly business of falls from height By Kathryn Heiler
Every year hundreds of New Zealand workers are seriously injured due to falls from height at work, some of them fatally. The cost of these falls from height is estimated to be $24 million a year in ACC claims – and that doesn’t even touch the human cost of losing a loved one, a valued worker and a member of the community. As the construction work in the Canterbury rebuild quickly moves ahead, it is crucial we do not lose sight of the importance of keeping our workers safe and healthy – and protect them from the hazards of working at height. Unless everyone commits to making the rebuild safe, we risk lost lives and injured workers.
Case in point In the short period between January and end of March this year, Canterbury saw five serious injuries caused by falls from height. In all cases, the falls were from ladders or scaffold at heights of less than three metres, and resulted in broken bones or loss of consciousness. In cases where the employer has not fulfilled their responsibility by ensuring the worker’s safety while at work, they are liable to be prosecuted under the Health and Safety in Employment Act.
What we’re doing Falls from height continue to be responsible for an unacceptable number of serious injuries reported to WorkSafe. More than half of these come from falls from less than three metres – most commonly off ladders or from single storey roofs. In the Canterbury rebuild alone there have been a number of serious harm incidents associated with falls from height reported to WorkSafe and continued vigilance is essential to ensure that the health and safety performance in the rebuild improves. Based on the estimated number of workers involved in the rebuild effort through to 2018, and the Canterbury construction industry’s health and safety record to date, if we don’t continue to make health and safety a priority we could see one to two construction related fatalities in each year of the rebuild. This is unacceptable. Rebuilding Canterbury safely is a top priority for WorkSafe and the Government. That’s why we are working closely with industry, government departments, employers and workers representatives. WorkSafe’s Preventing Falls from Height campaign has three parts: • Awareness raising – engaging the sector about the hazards associated with working at height
&
• Education - providing safety information about what safe working at heights looks like • Targeted enforcement – visiting worksites where there is a risk of corners being cut. WorkSafe NZ produced the Best Practice Guidelines for Working at Height in New Zealand in 2012. The guidelines are a critical element of the programme, as they give all involved with working at height clear direction on how to manage their work in a way that will bring down the death and injury toll. The guidelines outline how people organising, planning and doing work at height can keep themselves and others safe. By achieving that, the guidelines also help those involved in the process meet their legal obligations under the Health and Safety in Employment (HSE) Act and the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations, 1995.
Targeted visits and enforcement WorkSafe’s health and safety capacity is growing, with an increasing number of inspectors actively visiting the industry and looking for workplaces that may be cutting corners or where improvements are needed. With falls from height such a major contributor to the number of serious harm and fatalities reported in the construction sector, it is crucial that the industry fully understands the hazards involved and their responsibilities to help keep workers safe. We must work together to make sure all our workers return home healthy and safe every night. Kathryn Heiler is the Canterbury Rebuild Health and Safety programme director.
So, as a local company servicing Cantabrians in the re-build of Christchurch, we are committed to the safety of your staff. And when you deal with us you’re dealing with the owner, which means you receive a superior and speedy service – every time.
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THE REBUILD SAFET Y & TRADE SUPPLEMENT – MARCH/APRIL 2015
2 Ivan Jamieson Place, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053, NZ
NOISE PREVENTION
Protect your ears on site By Kathryn Heiler
Construction sites are noisy places. While this noise is often unavoidable, noise-induced hearing loss is not. Sadly, many workers believe noise is just ‘part of the job’ and something to get used to. But prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss – something no worker or anyone on site should be exposed to. With the variety of tools and machinery being used over the course of the demolition, build or repair work, it’s likely you’ll encounter some noise on a construction site. That’s why it’s a hazard WorkSafe New Zealand inspectors in Canterbury will be taking very seriously over the coming months.
What is noise-induced hearing loss? Noise-induced hearing loss can occur gradually over time, or it can be instantaneous if you’re exposed to a one-off very loud noise like a shotgun going off next to your ear. You lose the ability to hear some frequencies of sound, and while you may be able to hear people talking, it becomes more difficult to understand what they’re saying. The damage cannot be fixed. Once you lose the ability to hear noise at a certain frequency, it’s gone forever.
How noisy is it out there? It can be difficult to accurately calculate how much noise someone on site is exposed to, however, there are now apps on smart phones which can be downloaded to give you a general idea of the decibel level on site. You can also pick up noise measure meters from some hardware shops. It’s useful to have some kind of instrument to give you an idea of how much noise people are exposed to. As a general guide if you’re working on a construction site and you can’t hear the person next to you speaking unless they shout, you should wear hearing protection. Noise levels will also change depending on where you are. Outside, a worker will be
exposed to a lower range of noise, while inside or in an enclosed situation, they’ll be exposed to the higher end. For example, a cut off saw, as below will give off two average decibel readings. In New Zealand, the ‘average’ exposure limit is 85 decibels averaged over an eight hour period. You may be exposed to noise levels above this, but only if the time you are exposed to is reduced. It’s important to also remember that noise doubles every three decibels. This means that a tool operating at 88 decibels is actually twice as loud as a tool operating at 85 decibels. If your workplace is noisy, or likely to be noisy, you should ensure that you get someone in to do a noise survey so that you can understand the total noise load your workers might be exposed to and put in place the right controls. These surveys must conform to the appropriate AS/NZ standard AS/NZS 1269: Occupational Noise Management.
• Setting up dedicated areas or times when noisy work is likely to happen, and keeping visitors and others away from the area • Reducing the time exposure to noisy activities and tasks. You also need to get hearing tests organised for your employees who are regularly exposed to noise – when they’re new to the organisation, and then repeating them every year. This will give you an indication on the impact noise at work is having on their hearing, and whether the protection you’re providing them with is managing the hazard.
badly, leading to exposure. That’s nearly half of those people using them. An occupational health nurse can help with ensuring your workers are corrected fitted out for their PPE – including hearing protection. They’ll also advise on where the hearing protection should be stored and what options would work best for your workplace or construction site.
Where do I find out more? WorkSafe New Zealand has a noise in construction factsheet on its website: www.worksafe.govt.nz
Does it fit properly? Just giving your employees some ear plugs or ear muffs is not enough. They must fit properly - otherwise there is no use in them being worn. A report on noise and hearing loss in the metal manufacturing industry in 2009 found that in 47 percent of cases disposable ear plugs fitted
Kathryn Heiler is the director of Canterbury Rebuild Health and Safety Programme, WorkSafe New Zealand.
How can you manage the hazard on a busy construction site? Where noise levels are over and above the recommended levels per person per day, this workplace hazard must be ideally eliminated. If it cannot be eliminated, it must be managed through reduction of and minimisation of exposure. Getting it right from the beginning is essential – some ways of doing this include purchasing quieter equipment, and ensuring it is properly maintained. If noise remains an issue careful assessment of exposure limits must be calculated and a plan to minimise exposure must be implemented. Protective equipment is the weakest control but sometimes it is not possible to put in place the stronger controls. Where there is a residual risk of noise employers have a duty to provide personal protective equipment and to manage the risk. You must consider hearing protection and reduction of exposure through distance and time reduction. Controls will include: • Getting workers to use ear muffs or ear plugs
Safety Charter leadership Show Gate Fletcher Construction hosted the first Safety Charter event for 2015 at the Show Gate lounge at Riccarton Park with a focus on leadership and the progress we’re making in the Canterbury rebuild.
1 Tony and Annette Gibson (Gibson Decorators), Paul Johnston (EPMU Construction)
2 Craig Jones (Corbel Construction), Graham Darlow (Fletcher Building)
3
4
Kelvan Smith (Cera), Phil Neville (Cera), Laim Nolan (CCC)
Molly Roberts, Chris Roberts and Leon Frapwell (Safe Rebuild) Fraser Cook (Welding and Engineering Ltd).
THE REBUILD SAFET Y & TRADE SUPPLEMENT – MARCH/APRIL 2014
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