Health & Safety

Road construction workers face alarming amounts of abuse, threats, and violence, according to a new survey. It doesn’t help that road users refuse to stop more than once a week. 4.3% of respondents reported being struck by a vehicle in the past year. The 2025 Traffic Controller Safety Survey is the first trans-Tasman study exploring […]

Despite a challenging 18 months for the building sector, many tradies are “holding up well,” says programme lead Rafael Caso, a message backed by this year’s Live Well, Build Well survey. 15% reported that inconsistent or insufficient hours were a key challenge in their jobs, up from 8% in 2024. Of the 641 builders and […]

Despite the building industry’s downturn over the last 18 months, builders and tradies are “holding up well”, the 2025 Live Well, Build Well survey found. 15% expressed that inconsistent or insufficient hours were a key challenge in their jobs, compared to 8% in 2024. Of the 641 builders and tradespeople surveyed, 25% still say they […]

Gas appliances in New Zealand homes are fuelling serious health risks and billions of dollars in costs, according to new research released by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). The Health Impacts and Costs of Indoor Combustion in Aotearoa report, which also looks at the health impacts of combustion appliances – such as gas […]

Check that your chimney can withstand an earthquake or, if it falls, won’t cause serious damage. That’s the advice of the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC), which is reminding people that unreinforced masonry chimneys can be a significant risk to people’s safety and the strength of our nation’s homes. “Pretty much every major […]

Half of workers reported pain, illness, or disability in the 2025 MATES in Construction Industry Well-being Survey, more than double the national adult rate. Supported by ASB, MATES were recently joined by Minister for Mental Health Hon Matt Doocey to launch the results of the industry survey on World Suicide Prevention Day. The report reveals […]