The Rebuild Supplement 126

THE CANTERBURY REBUILD SAFETY & TRADE SUPPLEMENT

NEW ZEALAND CONTRACTORS’ FEDERATION REACHES 70.

DRUG TESTING IN THE WORKPLACE WORKER FATIGUE A SAFETY PRIORITY INCREASED SAFETY RISK WITH DEMOLITION WORK

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Health & Safety

WorkSafe NZ highlights worker fatigue as safety priority As the rebuild ramps up, WorkSafe’s Canterbury Rebuild Health and Safety Programme director, Kathryn Heiler says that work related and non-work related fatigue is a significant potential hazard facing the construction industry that needs to be carefully managed.

“We’re seeing a combination of more extended working hours combined with intensive work which can compromise the quality and quality of recovery time.

Anything that reduces sleep quantity and quality can result in impaired work performance. It has the potential to cause serious harm in the workplace,” she says.

What is worker fatigue?

Work related fatigue can be a result of work and non-work-related factors or a combination of both. Poorly designed work schedules can limit the amount of time that workers can physically and mentally recover from work, while working at night or starting very early in the morning can disrupt the body’s normal sleep cycle. Long commuting times can further exacerbate the problem.

Some job demands can also cause fatigue.

Jobs that are physically or mentally strenuous, repetitive or monotonous, or require continued physical effort can increase the risk of fatigue.

“Sleep is essential to good physical and mental health,” she says.

“When people do not get enough sleep they build up a “debt” and if this debt is not discharged with adequate sleep it can cause a level of impairment equivalent to the effects of being impaired by drug and alcohol. Impaired sleep can be caused by work schedules, but can also be associated with sleep problems, family and personal problems and stressors.

“More than simply feeling a little tired, fatigue is a state of mental or physical exhaustion that reduces the ability to perform work safely and effectively.

It causes a lack of alertness, slower reaction times, loss of physical co-ordination, affects the ability to make good decisions, and increases the risk of incidents,” she says.

Fatigue in construction Across construction, safety critical work that can be affected by fatigue includes working at heights, driving mobile plant and equipment and electrical work.

Across Canterbury rebuild worksites are busy and demands are great. Well rested and fit workers will be at less chance of harm and injury.

Kathryn says management of fatigue is a shared responsibility. “Employers have a duty to ensure work schedules and job demands are organised to allow for adequate recovery time and minimise the chances of task related fatigue.

“Further, employers must have processes in place to identify workers that may be at risk of fatigue related impairment and manage the risks,” she says. “Employees should manage their out of work activities to ensure they are well rested and fit for work.

“Involving workers in the fatigue management process encourages the team to work together to identify fatigue risk factors and implement effective control measures. Consultation also helps to raise awareness about the risks of fatigue, and gives workers a reasonable opportunity to express views before making decisions on health and safety matters.”

Making fatigue management a priority Kathryn Heiler says the Canterbury Rebuild Safety Charter’s focus on fatigue as one of its

10 commitments highlights the seriousness of the issue.

“Fatigue can affect performance, which can become a real issue in a high risk environment such as a construction site. The consequences of a moment’s inattention can be extremely serious, so full attention is required for work that requires critical decision making, judgment, decision making, hand eye coordination, machinery operation, or driving,” she says.

“The earthquakes reminded us that the most important thing is people and it’s up to all of us to watch out for each other,” she adds.

“Recognising the signs of fatigue in an employee or a co-worker may avoid a serious incident, so it’s essential we’re all aware of the importance of this issue.”

WorkSafe New Zealand has resources to help employers manage their responsibilities to keep their workers safe: www.dol.govt.nz/infozone/ businessessentials/safety/hazards/ workplace-fatigue.asp More information on the Canterbury Rebuild Safety Charter: www.safety charter.org.nz

Fatigue Checklist

This checklist provides guidance to assist in identifying risks of fatigue but is not an exhaustive list of risk factors. If the answer is yes to any of the questions, fatigue risks may need to be further assessed and control measures implemented.

Mental and physical work demands Does anyone carry out work for long periods which is physically demanding? (for example, tasks which are especially tiring and repetitive such as bricklaying, process work, moving bags of cement, felling trees)

Fatigue and Impairment in Construction

·

(for example, work requiring vigilance, work requiring continuous concentration and minimal stimulation, work performed under pressure, work to tight deadlines, emergency call outs, interacting/dealing with the public)

Yes/No

Work scheduling and planning

Trade breakfast and forum Thursday 31 July 2014 · · · ·

Does anyone carry out work for long periods which is mentally demanding?

Yes/No

Fatigue – why is it a hazard in construction?

How does fatigue affect impairment?

Shift work and extended working hours Fatigue and impairment – regulations and employer duties Impairment - drugs and alcohol When: Trade breakfast: 7-9am Forum: 9.30am-3pm Where: Rydges Latimer, Christchurch To RSVP or for more information contact: liz.richardson@worksafe.govt.nz

Does anyone consistently work or travel between midnight and 6am?

Yes/No

Does the work schedule prevent workers having at least one full day off per week?

Yes/No

Does the roster make it difficult for workers to consistently have at least two consecutive nights sleep per week?

Yes/No

Do work practices include on-call work, call-backs or sleepovers?

Yes/No

Does the roster differ from the hours actually worked?

Yes/No

Does the work roster include rotating shifts?

Yes/No

Does anyone have to travel more than one hour to get to their job?

Yes/No

Work time Does anyone work in excess of 12 hours regularly (including overtime)?

Yes/No

Does anyone have less than 10 hours break between each shift? (for example, split shifts, quick shift changeovers)

Yes/No

Is work performed at low body clock times (between 2 am and 6 am)?

Yes/No

Environmental conditions Is work carried out in harsh or uncomfortable conditions? (for example, hot, humid or cold temperatures)

Yes/No

Does anyone work with plant or machinery that vibrates?

Yes/No

Is anyone working with hazardous chemicals?

Yes/No

Is anyone consistently exposed to loud noise?

Yes/No

Non-work factors Are workers arriving at work fatigued?

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

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WORKSAFE EDITORIAL: Kate Wright DESIGN: Jenna Day PRINTING: Guardian Print

Yes/No

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)

NZCF 70th

Achieving results together Z has worked in partnership with the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation (NZCF) for well over a decade, which is not much more than a blink in the organisation’s 70 year history.

However, like all good things our relationship has grown stronger as we have worked together to make it better.

During our shared history we have endeavoured to provide membership benefits and support industry activities. We have made a commitment to continue to support the NZCF for the foreseeable future.

By working with the NZCF, we share in the success of New Zealand’s most innovative companies by providing vital services and business efficiency in remote places.

Whether our customers come to us or we go to them, and whether it’s diesel, fuel oils, greases or lubricants, we’re all about helping our customers maximise their productivity, minimise their fuel use and eliminate any risks with storing or handling fuel.

Understanding the big issues is important for us as a New Zealand company, but it also means we are better at focussing on meeting the individual needs of our customers.

By partnering with the NZCF we can offer more to contractors collectively with things like: discounts on fuel, an easy card management with Z Card Online, and helping contractors reward themselves with Fly Buys points or Airpoints Dollars.

One of the things we also enjoy about our relationship with the NZCF is our involvement in the Federation’s Z Energy People Awards, both the Emerging Leader Award and the Training Development Award.

We’ve set out to be leaders in our industry because we believe extraordinary leadership delivers extraordinary results.

We also believe the only way to grow as a company is if our people grow.

Training and the chance to put new skills into action at work, help contribute to individual development and growth, which helps people to be extraordinary in their roles.

In partnership with the NZCF, we want to support and celebrate extraordinary leadership in the civil-construction sector and celebrate those who take ownership of their development journey.

As a major sponsor of the People Awards, our vision is to see these extraordinary leaders become part of the DNA of the contracting landscape in New Zealand.

At Z, we want to understand our customers’ businesses, and talking with industry organisations such as the NZCF is a good step in understanding a collective view.

These awards represent our chance to recognise and reward individuals who have demonstrated the core qualities of outstanding leadership, and will bring a fresh and continued drive for success in New Zealand.

An important role of the NZCF is to initiate and be part of big conversations; none larger than the past few years in Christchurch since the earthquakes, and the debates that are happening in Auckland right now on how it should grow.

On the NZCF’s 70th anniversary we are mindful of all the milestones it has reached and the changes that have come about in the industry during this time.

We wish the NZCF every success going forward and look forward to sharing the journey of the Federation and its members.

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NZCF 70th

New Zealand Contractors' Federation

A staunch voice advocating smart and appropriate measures The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation is an incorporated society and a national industry body comprising the full spectrum of infrastructure construction and maintenance, road construction, road maintenance, civil and general contractors since 1944.

Men working in the contracting industry undertake jobs everyday that pose a risk to their safety and can cause serious injury or even death.

The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation is a staunch voice in the sector advocating for smart and appropriate health and safety measures, not only for its members, but the entire industry.

The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation executive officer, Malcolm Abernethy, says speaking out about health and safety practises is a vitally important part of their job.

“It is about keeping our guys safe and about doing it properly, workers need to know that everyday they go to work they can return home safely,” Malcolm says.

Working relationship The federation has a close working relationship with WorkSafe New Zealand, the government agency that is in charge of creating Approved Codes of Practice essentially a book of health and safety rules for specific types of work activities that contractors need to follow.

The Approved Codes of Practice are enforced by WorkSafe’s 200 inspectors who visit workplaces to ensure safety standards are being met. If a code is not being followed they will receive an improvement notice, or even be ordered to cease operations while they put in measures to comply.

Malcolm says in the event there is an accident onsite, or anything goes wrong and the contractor hasn’t been following the Approved Code of Practise, they could face serious legal action.

Federation members, who have practical and technical experience, volunteer their time to assist WorkSafe NZ with the development of the codes. The federation experts provide their practical advice and experiences from working in the field to fine tune the codes.

“We help in the development of the standards and promote the codes so that people know what is expected of them,” Malcolm says.

But he says it is crucial the codes strike a balance between keeping workers safe without going over the top to the extent that it takes away both innovation and efficiency. “Our involvement ensures this balance is made and the codes don’t inhibit someone from performing their job.”

Practical steps The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation is constantly taking little steps to make safety improvements in the contracting industry.

“Safety practises are getting better and better but there is always room for improvement because unfortunately people don’t always make the right decisions or follow the rules.”

The federation has assisted in the development a several new codes and safety initiatives recently. Some examples include: • Working at Height code which was published 18 months ago because there are a lot of workers that suffer injuries as a result of falls • The Federation provided a draft code to WorkSafe for review, for working around mobile plant to ensure workers are not hit by machinery or vehicles

• Introduction of hose burst protection valves for earthmoving machinery used for lifting materials required by January 2016 • The Federation provided considerable input into the codes for Ventilation and Fire or Explosion in Mines and Tunnels as part of the Pike River findings • The Federation support the Health & Safety Reform Bill that is currently before Parliament and has provided a detailed submission for consideration by the select committee.

There is a new regime within health and safety in the workplace and the NZ Contractors’ Federation will continue to work closely with WorkSafe NZ and will ensure its members are aware of the changes and the new requirements.

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NZCF 70th

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NZCF 70th

A history of helping an industry thrive Every industry has its champions - the people or organisations that campaign for sector wide collaboration, improvement and recognition for a job well done.

In the horizontal infrastructure industry, for 70 years the champion has been the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation (NZCF).

From humble beginnings the NZCF is now a strong nationwide network which represents the interests of the contracting businesses that play a vital role in the development of our country, particularly in the building and maintenance of our roading, transport, energy, public services infrastructure and services to the residential and commercial construction sectors.

It is these services that a modern developed economy must have to compete efficiently in world markets and to deliver high living standards for its people.

Representing the interests of more than 400 members across the country, companies are supported to develop their capability and performance to be able to take on construction contracts released by government, local authorities and developers.

Canterbury strength Never in its history has the Federation been stronger than it is in Canterbury.

Earthquake damage and subsequent work required to repair or replace a large percentage of the region's horizontal infrastructure has seen an influx of contractors to the city - which has boosted numbers of the local branch.

The NZCF now represents the interests of some 150 organisations, both contractors and suppliers, in the Canterbury, West Coast and Buller regions.

It is one of 14 national branches, but since 2010 has grown to be the largest branch in the country.

Local history The Canterbury branch of this organisation was established in 1945, one year after the establishment of the national organisation in Wellington. There were many times during the next 30 years when the organisation was close to collapse.

Local members fought hard and have achieved the recognition from Government.

But like so many organisations, it was the presence of some strong personalities who did the hard yards to build the platform for the next generation.

The oldest archives held by the Canterbury Branch, are of a Journal which dates back to 1982 and contains the minutes of the Executive from December 1982 to November 1994.

This contains the names of some very distinguished people who have been

the pillars of the construction industry in Christchurch, among them; Kevin Blair, Clem Patterson, Ray Hanna, Bryan Murray, Hans Kriesel, P Mauger, Brian Warren, Murray Francis, Stewart Callaway, John Blackler, Grant Laing, John Townshend, Onno Mulder, Eden Husband, Trevor Russbatch and Mike Downs.

Your rebuild recruitment partner Tradestaff are Safe Staff.

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T H E R E B U I L D S A F E T Y & T R A D E S U P P L E M E N T– J U N E 2 0 1 4

As a founding signatory of the Canterbury Rebuild Safety Charter and one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers of temporary and permanent workers to the trade sector, Tradestaff is genuinely committed to the health and safety of all our employees.

Health and safety is integrated into Tradestaff’s standard processes and procedures with the goal of expecting all of our people to return home uninjured at the end of their work day. This aligns perfectly to the vision of the Canterbury Rebuild Safety Charter, “Together we will rebuild Canterbury safely”.

Our clients can be confident that Tradestaff temps have a good knowledge of Health and Safety and the appropriate management of hazards on site.

All Tradestaff candidates complete a thorough health and safety induction which provides them with training, information and instruction in order to equip them with the necessary skills to ensure their health and safety, and the health and safety of others working onsite with them.

Tradestaff is also proud to be a member of the ACC Partnership Programme since 2011, having achieved tertiary level accreditation in 2013 and maintaining this level in 2014.

Simply put, this means where ACC normally manages work related injury claims and rehabilitation, tertiary level accreditation requires Tradestaff to take responsibility for all work related claims, management and the rehabilitation of our employees.

Our clients don’t have to worry about the ACC claims management process - it’s one of the many things provided in Tradestaff’s end to end recruitment services.

Our management team and consultants work collaboratively with our clients to ensure as safe and healthy working environment is provided as practicable.

This includes making regular visits to work sites to update hazard information to pass on to our candidates, attending onsite tool box meetings and touching base with clients onsite regarding potential site risks and their management, and following up any accident reports or near misses.

With our robust processes and systems, Tradestaff offers clients the peace of mind that comes with knowing not only will you get appropriately skilled people, but that the health and safety of our staff are of the utmost importance.

And with the 10 commitments of the Canterbury Rebuild Safety Charter aligning perfectly with the culture of Health and Safety within Tradestaff, it becomes even simpler to identify Tradestaff as your preferred recruitment partner for the Rebuild.

NZCF 70th

For decades, the Federation’s highlight of year has been the Contractors Awards night in November. Thirty years ago it was a social night hosted close to Christmas.

Records show that in 1987 it became more than just a social event - it was the inaugural Contractor of the Year competition. The evening was attended by 150 people.

In this first year of the competition only three entrants were registered; David Gamble Earthmoving, Kevin Blair Contractors and a JV between J C Hackworth & Sons and John Blackler Contractors. The winning the award went to J C Hackworth & Sons and John Blackler Contractors for the Woolston Cut - a waterways project.

In 2013, the awards night was attended by 450 people with 16 awards presented on the night - the Supreme Award went to Fulton Hogan.

National history The NZCF has been in existence since July 1944, when a general meeting of earthmoving and agricultural contractors was convened in Wellington.

Dan Sloan was elected as Chair. The first business was a motion to form a national organisation of earthmoving and agricultural contractors to be incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act. However, it would be some time before official recognition by the Government could be hoped for - but it was a hope that came to fruition - the Federation is now a

Fulton Hogan - winners of the NZCF Contractor of the Year award 2013​ leading body in the sector pushing for and consulting on legislative change in this sector.

On 26 September, 1945 the First Annual General Meeting of the Association was held at 26 The Terrace, Wellington where 23 members attended.

At that point, there were 130 members nationally, with Branches in Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Southland, Auckland and Canterbury.

Today the Federation aims to create a safe, viable, and progressive sector meeting the needs of all its participants.

It helps contribute to ensuring a healthy civil construction sector where skilled and qualified clients, consultants, and contractors produce outcomes that deliver value for money for all participants.

And with 70 years of integrity, history and authenticity behind it, the result of the investment in people, forward planning, fair and consistent procurement strategies, competition in the supply chain, and growth opportunities are obvious across all member organisations.

Commitment to the industry The New Zealand Contactors Federation (NZCF) represents the sector involved with the construction of horizontal infrastructure such as roads, drainage and water reticulation.

Support from the Federation includes advice on health and safety, training, forms of contract, and the implications of changes in legislation.

NZCF is also the organisation that liaises with other bodies with common interests

such as the Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand (ACENZ) and the Road Transport Federation (RTF).

The three groups are running a combined industry conference in Rotorua this year, which will provide delegates with the benefits of a programme with diverse speaker representation across the entire contracting and engineering consulting industries.

The focus will be on “Achieving Results Together”.

NZ Contractors’ Federation PO Box 16 064 Hornby Christchurch T (03) 366 5160 E canterburychair@nzcontractors.co.nz

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NZCF 70th

Focus

on Safe Work Practices Electricity network lines company Orion is educating contractors, engaged in the repair and rebuild of the city, about risk management by using safe work practices when working close to its electricity network. Contractors are faced with unique challenges as the risks, in many cases, cannot be eliminated; the network is mostly required to remain energised to maintain supply.

CHECK

BEFORE YOU DIG

We deliver information on our contractor education programme through radio and newspaper advertising, onsite posters, and free training sessions. Information is provided by our public safety advisors and is delivered onsite or at a contractors training facility and is available from early morning to late evening to suit contractor requirements. To date we have delivered information to over 3,000 contractor staff.

1 1 11 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 The information includes identifying the different types of Get cable and do and mark-outs Use cable devices Use safe digging practices Getplans cable plans do mark-outs Uselocating cable locating devices devices Use safeUse digging practices Get cable plans and do mark-outs Use cable locating safe digging practices network equipment, what the minimum safe approach distances are, how to apply for a close approach consent and what to do if they, or any of their work team, make contact with either an overhead power line or underground cable.

There is a strong emphasis on avoiding contact with underground cables.

Need electricity for your new building?

If you are planning to develop a new commercial building, you need to contact us early in the concept design phase to discuss your building’s electricity requirements, to ensure you factor the correct required network equipment into your plans. You also need to discuss the temporary electricity supply that is required for the construction phase.

By contacting us early, we can help you save time and money. There are many others doing the same thing and there are likely to be delays in servicing last minute connection requests.

For more information, visit our website oriongroup.co.nz or call 0800 363 9898.

Orion New Zealand Limited owns and operates the electricity distribution network in central Canterbury between the Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers. Our shareholders are the Christchurch City and Selwyn District councils. oriongroup.co.nz

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T H E R E B U I L D S A F E T Y & T R A D E S U P P L E M E N T– J U N E 2 0 1 4

NZCF 70th

Demolition increase highlights safety risk With residential demolitions in Christchurch set to increase significantly between now and December, WorkSafe New Zealand has highlighted the increased safety risk associated with demolition work.

WorkSafe’s Canterbury Rebuild Health and Safety Programme Director, Kathryn Heiler, says she is particularly concerned about the identification and removal of asbestos.

“Asbestos is extremely hazardous to workers and presents health risks to homeowners and the neighbouring community if not managed correctly,” she says.

“In Canterbury, we’re seeing too many properties throughout the region being demolished before asbestos has been accurately identified. This can create a hazard for workers and persons in the vicinity.

“A failure to properly identify asbestos before work commences can also lead to a risk of the contaminant entering the waste stream. It can also potentially contaminate soil and the waste stream.

“There are also other serious hazards associated with demolition work. The use of mobile plant such as excavators and the requirement to work at height, noise and manual handling are all of concern,” she says.

“Due to the scheduled increase in the pace of demolition work we will be increasing the number of demolition site visits from our inspector team immediately,” she says.

What does the regulator expect?

Section 6 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 is the general requirement to “take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of employees while at work”.

Section 16 of the Act includes the requirement for those who occupy or own the site or those who own plant on the site, to ensure that hazards onsite do not harm people in the vicinity.

The Best Practice Guidelines for Demolition in New Zealand detail steps that may be taken to plan demolition work safely, identify the relevant hazards and implement the correct controls.

WorkSafe’s expectation is that all hazards that may cause harm are identified. These include asbestos, falls from height, falling objects and hazards associated with mobile plant, amongst others.

All significant hazards identified must be controlled by considering the hierarchy of controls: Eliminate – isolate - minimise

Kathryn Heiler says WorkSafe is committed to working with the construction industry to ensure that the last of the demolition work across the rebuild does not harm workers or cause adverse health effects in the community.

“The industry should expect to see more of our inspectors onsite in the coming weeks and months,” she says.

“Where we see unsafe work practices and breaches of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, we will be prepared to stop the work and take enforcement action. This may include the issuing of notices, fines or even prosecution, to ensure the safety of workers”.

More information on asbestos is available at: www.business.govt.nz/worksafe

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Health & Safety

Work places are safer with a trained health and safety representative Peter Conway, secretary for the Council of Trade Unions, says workplaces are safer with a trained health and safety representative.

The general consensus is that ACC funded health and safety representative training is hugely valued by both employees and employers and is a good investment towards confronting workplace health and safety issues, he says.

This programme trains workplace representatives on greater awareness of hazards and is hugely valued by workers and employers. “This is not some cosy deal,” Peter says.

“Independent evaluation of the course undertaken in 2008 was very positive. We know that it delivers value for money trained representatives are more likely to recognise hazards, and to know what kind of action to take to help mitigate the risks of those hazards.

“It is always hard to show that that this kind of preventative course reduces accidents per se, as it is difficult to quantify the value; this will always be an issue.

But a workplace is safer with a trained rep and that is what the CTU and ACC want to ensure.

“We trained nearly 2,000 health and safety representatives last year and the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Ninety seven percent felt they could perform the role of health and safety rep more confidently than before the course, 96 percent said the course showed them how they could improve health and safety in their workplaces, and nearly 99 percent found that these courses were beneficial and helped with their understanding of the role and the importance of health and safety at work. Feedback has been consistently positive since we began these courses.

“This is not a waste of money. Feedback that we get from employers is that these courses increase engagement in health and safety, they raise awareness of risks and hazards, and provide the reps with ideas and strategies to improve health and safety in their workplace.”

Peter says the CTU provides the ACC funded training free of charge to workers

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and employers and does not add on a management fee.

He also notes that with increased requirements under pending health and safety legislation, the whole provision of training is being reviewed.

“The CTU is fully supportive of the review.

For instance we would like to see more reps trained, a greater link for reps with health and safety inspectors, registration of reps and other areas of improvement.”

Health & Safety

Drug testing in the workplace

By Ross Bell

Concerns your employees might come to work having recently taken drugs are entirely reasonable.

No workplace wants a drug-impaired person in front of its customers or operating its heavy machinery. It’s dangerous, hurts morale and is bad for the bottom line.

Evidence shows New Zealanders have comparatively high levels of drug use, so it’s inevitable some individuals within some businesses will come to work impaired.

That’s why workplace drug testing may seem attractive, especially in a region like Canterbury where a lot of new people have come to find work, many of them young.

But things are never simple and, if not done well, drug testing could have some very serious impacts on your work environment.

That’s largely because people’s dignity and civil liberties are involved and we’re (usually) asking them to pee into a cup.

If drug testing is done in an atmosphere of suspicion, or if employees get even a hint that assumptions have been made about them, it can leave them feeling negative and like their privacy and dignity are under threat. And this can lead to some very delicate situations for you as the boss and illustrates how complex the issue is.

If you’re going to use workplace drug testing you need to find that right balance between protecting your workplace and not intruding on the rights of your employees beyond what is reasonably necessary.

In fact you’re going to need a really well thought through workplace drug policy that covers far more than testing, so it is advised that you talk with a lawyer who has experience in employment law.

A US study found lower levels of worker drug use in companies with drug education and employee assistance programmes. A UK inquiry found that, while drug testing has a role, particularly where safety is a concern, investing in training and systems is likely to have a more positive impact and would be less costly, divisive or invasive.

Alcohol and Other Drugs in the Workplace is an excellent resource for employers thinking about dealing with drug use at work.

It was developed by ALAC, ACC, The Drug Foundation and the Department of Labour, and has relevant and easily digestible information about how to work with your employees to develop a robust workplace drug policy.

When all levels of your organisation have input, when employees’ rights are respected, when staff are educated about drug use and know what you expect of them, when they know you’re willing to help and not just punish, you may find you have a workplace culture developing that reduces or eliminates any need for drug testing at all.

Download Alcohol and Other Drugs in the Workplace at: http://tinyurl.com/ workplaceaod.

Ross Bell is the executive director of the New Zealand Drug Foundation. Visit: www.drugfoundation.org.nz

Why screen for substance abuse at all?

Drug use is very much like alcohol consumption. There are casual users and there are alcoholics.

a speed limit that isn’t enforced; there will always be a few drivers who don’t take notice of the signs.

Alcohol is an accepted part of everyday life, provided casual use doesn’t affect others or put people at risk. When the desire for alcohol becomes a ‘craving’, that is a different matter.

If they can get away with it so will others and the ‘speed culture’ takes over. We know of several companies, who had a ‘speed culture’ which nearly crippled their business. Drug awareness and testing saved them.

The supply of illicit drugs is a more successful business than the best company you can think of, including your own. It’s all cash, no invoices, no accountants and no taxes to pay. That’s why 95 percent of all banknotes in the United Kingdom are contaminated with cocaine.

There is strong evidence that most crime is related to drugs. Apart from the health risks, even casual users feel ‘off colour’ for days afterwards, and don’t perform well at work.

They also have more accidents and are likely to have your company investigated and held liable. If you don’t have a drug screening policy then you should have one.

If you do, then you should conduct screening tests, if you don’t, it’s like having

Workplace drug and alcohol testing is a very contentious issue so you need to tread carefully. To have all the workforce behind you, all drug and alcohol screening must be done on the basis of health, safety and welfare.

How accurate are NZDDA’s drug tests?

Better than 99 percent (close to cut-off levels) and 100 percent (at higher levels), compared with ‘Syva Emit’ Machines.

Every batch rigorously tested in manufacture, and as part of our internal quality controls we conduct blind testing in the field.

Tests are quick and easy to use, and there is no risk of machine or technician error.

Every batch is consistent so you get the same results wherever you conduct a test.

T H E R E B U I L D S A F E T Y & T R A D E S U P P L E M E N T– J U N E 2 0 1 4

11

Health & Safety

Bata Industrials Many professional workers walk more in safety shoes than casual shoes, with Bata Industrials offering a range of footwear that is comfortable and healthy, as well as safe.

The Bata Shoe organisation is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and retailers of footwear. Activities are carried out in 50 countries on virtually every continent.

More than 40,000 people are employed worldwide.

Every day, about one million customers are being served throughout its 4600 retail stores worldwide.

Brief history Founded in Czechoslovakia in 1894, Bata was one of the world’s first global manufacturers.

This expansion continued and by 1960, Bata employed 42,000 employees, owned thousands of company stores and many factories.

Bata Industrials was founded in the 1970s as a result of a market call for footwear for professionals.

Bata Industrials offers a range of high-quality work shoes and boots, including:

Since then, Bata Industrials has evolved into a designer, producer and marketer of safety footwear and hosiery, exclusively to professional end user markets.

Today Bata Industrials is one of world’s largest manufacturers of this type of footwear and the only one that is truly a global player.

• Bickz: Light weight and flexible, performing well in both industrial and professional environments further protect and also further extend the life span and durability of your boots. The unique torsion stabiliser provides excellent surety under foot and helps reduce the risk of ankle roll.

Mammoet Workwear Working Heroes Bata Heroes provide outstanding comfort for the longest of working days. Dual density soles, tri-density PU insoles and thick poron inserts provide incredible cushioning under foot, even in the harshest terrain.

Add to this padded collars and tounge, beathable linings, spacious steel toe caps and a generous comfort fitting and you have a great all round environment for you feet to work in.

Functionality is enhanced in every step through well designed flex grooves in the sole and pre-formed curving at the toe.

Secondly, and as equally importantly, Heroes are built to deal with tough working environments. The rubber nitrile outsoles are heat, oil and acid resistant and every pair of Heroes features an external TPU bump cap to

For more than 40 years, Mammoet has been carrying out the most challenging lifting and transport operations all around the world.

Mammoet Workwear is about protection in the most extreme conditions.

The development of Mammoet Workwear is based on four points: 1. Mammoet Aquasystem® prevents the penetration of any moisture, but does breathe, allowing you to stand in the water all day.

2. Antiskid sole – a rubber sole specially developed to provide grip under the most extreme circumstances and has a steel inner sole.

3. Fit – made to offer sufficient room around the front of the foot and instep, for more stability and comfort.

4. Virtually indestructible - rubber nose and heel protection make the shoes nearly indestructible.

• Deep Comfort: Premium full grain or nubuck leather uppers, with a mushroom lamella sole design for extra comfort • Heroes: Providing outstanding comfort for the longest of working days • Ladies: An economical range offering premium styling and features • Mammoet: Protection in the most extreme conditions • Natural Collection: An extended product range of robust footwear for any working conditions • Specialty: The Vulcan smelter boot offers heat and fire resistance • SportMates: The latest in sports-styled safety footwear from Bata Industrials • Safety and non-safety gumboots.

Bata Company (NZ) Limited Private Bag 7903 Newtown Wellington T (04) 383 5550 Freephone 0800658 068 E orders@batashoes.co.nz www.bata.net.nz

— Advertising Feature