Articles

Walkway Markings and Safety Barriers

Are they necessary? Recently, there have been several prosecutions relating to forklift fatalities and serious injuries, resulting from workers being struck by forklifts or being in the wrong place. A common fault that I have often seen over the years is that safe walkway markings are either disregarded, they have faded, they...

Hazard Controls

Previously, we have written about the health and safety terms of the methods of “risk assessment” and the definition of “all reasonably practicable steps”. The following is an opinion of how these can be applied when managing hazards and risks in your business. Case Scenario You have had a serious notifiable accident in...

Can AI Be Used To Complete Tōtika?

More businesses are now seeking Tōtika health and safety prequalification to prove they have strong systems in place and can meet client requirements. With AI tools becoming more widely used, many contractors wonder whether AI can help them complete their Tōtika assessment. While AI can support drafting and organising information,...

90 Day Trials for Employees

"If he smells like a mechanic, he will be employed." These were the desperate words of one garage owner, in a situation that unfortunately turned pear shape and became very costly for the owner when it went to the Employment Court. Why? Because like so many other small to medium sized enterprise...

Who has to supply PPE?

With summer just around the corner and winter to follow, a question that is often asked is "Who is responsible for the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees and others in the workplace?" Here are several processes that should be considered when managing a company’s PPE, its distribution, use,...

Health and Safety for Contractors Onsite

What health and safety documentation do I need on site? We often get asked these questions: Do I (or my employees) have to have all my health and safety systems with me, when onsite? Do I have to have the machine-specific safe work method statements/safe operating procedures (SOPs) attached to all...

Do I need ISO 45001 for my business?

Recently, I was contacted by a small start-up business asking if I could assist them to implement their ISO 45001 health and safety system. Following the initial introductions, I asked the following questions: When did you start your business? Answer - 2 years ago. What type of business? Answer - transportation business. How...

Trailer Safety

Recently, there have been two court cases involving trailers uncoupling from the towing wagons. One of these incidents resulted in a fatality. As a result, we have reviewed and amended our hazard identification process and supporting safe operating procedure (SOP). I believe that for many businesses, trailers are considered a supporting piece...