bbtdigital_admin, Author at HazardCo NZ

Good health and safety isn’t about stopping work, it’s about having simple, clear processes so everyone understands how to get the job done safely.

When you plan the work and manage the risks, you build a site where safety becomes second nature.

Risk assessments

Before starting any task, pause and look at what could go wrong. A couple of minutes now can prevent someone from getting hurt later.

What good looks like

Walk the work area before starting
Identify anything that could cause harm: This includes people, tools, equipment and the environment
Talk to your team, they’ll spot things you might miss
Put controls in place before work begins (e.g. barriers, edge protection, correct tools, PPE)
Reassess if the job or conditions change (new workers, weather change, new equipment)

Best practice tips

Use the HazardCo app to record hazards and controls as you go
Take photos to show what you’ve put in place
Keep it short and clear — risk assessments should be fast and practical
Update it throughout the day, not just at the start

If it’s not recorded, it’s easy to miss and hard to manage.

Site reviews

A clean, well-run site is a safer site. Regular checks keep everyone on track.

What good looks like

Walk the site daily.
Check access ways, housekeeping, scaffolding, excavations, lifting zones
Look for trip hazards, unsecured materials, poor signage
Make sure everyone is inducted, briefed, and wearing the right PPE
Confirm that emergency equipment and first aid are easy to access
Speak with workers, ask what they’re seeing

Best practice tips

Use the Site Review tool to record findings and assign actions
Fix small issues on the spot, don’t leave them for later
Share the review at toolbox meetings so everyone stays aligned

Good sites don’t just happen, they’re reviewed and improved every day.

Safety is a mindset

Safety isn’t a box to tick, it’s how you work.

Risks change so check them often
People change so involve and train your team
Sites change so review and adapt as you go

When everyone takes action, speaks up, and looks out for each other, safety becomes part of everyday work, not just an extra task.

The hidden danger on-site: Silica dust

Construction sites come with plenty of obvious hazards but some of the most dangerous ones are the ones you can’t see. One of those hidden risks is respirable crystalline silica dust (RCS).

If you’re cutting, grinding, sanding, or polishing materials like concrete, stone, brick, or mortar, there’s a good chance you’re creating RCS dust. And while it might not look like much, breathing it in can cause serious, long-term health problems.

Why silica dust is dangerous

When silica dust gets into your lungs, it can cause a disease called Accelerated Silicosis. This is a fast-acting, life-threatening condition that scars the lungs and makes it harder to breathe over time. The tricky part? You might not even notice symptoms until the damage is already done.

That’s why it’s so important to understand the risk and take simple steps to control it.

How to reduce the risk on-site

WorkSafe New Zealand recommends several ways to reduce exposure and keep your crew safe:

Use safer materials: Whenever possible, choose materials with a lower silica content.
Isolate dusty work: Keep dusty work away from others using barriers or enclosed equipment like CNC machines.
Use the right gear: Fit your tools with dust collectors that have H-class HEPA filters.
Add water: Wet cutting helps stop dust from becoming airborne in the first place where possible.
Clean up the right way: Avoid dry sweeping. Use low-pressure water, wet wipes, or a HEPA-filtered vacuum to clean instead.
Wear proper PPE: Make sure respirators are fit-tested and cleaned after each use. Disposable coveralls or other protective clothing can also help stop dust from going home with you.
Monitor exposure: Anyone exposed to silica dust should have regular health checks to pick up early signs of damage.

Keep your crew in the know

Most people who develop silicosis didn’t realise they were at risk. That’s why it’s vital to talk about RCS, train your team, and make sure everyone knows how to stay safe.

At the end of the day, the goal is simple: everyone goes home safe and healthy.

Want to learn more about managing silica dust on-site? Get in touch with our friendly team at HazardCo today.We’re here to help you keep health and safety simple.

Slips, trips, and falls, don’t let them take you down!

Slips and trips might seem harmless, but on-site, they’re one of the biggest causes of injuries. A bit of ground clutter, a wet floor, or poor lighting is all it takes to put someone out of action.

Here’s the breakdown:

Slip – wet or icy surfaces are usually to blame
Trip – often from tools, cords, or gear left lying around
Fall – when someone suddenly loses balance

What’s your role?
Businesses must make sure slip and trip hazards are spotted early and dealt with properly. That means checking the site, managing risks, and keeping controls up to scratch.

How to tackle the risks

Eliminate – plan the site layout to avoid sudden changes in floor levels
Substitute – install slip-resistant surfaces where you can
Isolate – block off high-risk areas and use clear signage
Engineer – treat floors, improve lighting, and sort drainage
Admin controls – training, cleaning checklists, and good supervision
PPE – slip-resistant footwear to protect the team

Practical ways to reduce the risk

Reducing slips, trips, and falls starts with simple, practical steps that everyone on site can take.

Good housekeeping – Keep walkways clear, remove waste quickly, and store gear in the right place.
Floor checks – Fix uneven ground, repair holes, and mop up spills immediately.
Lighting – Brighten up darker areas like stairways and access points.
Weather watch – Use grit, mats, or drainage to deal with rain, ice, or mud.
Signs and barriers – Put up clear signs when cleaning, or block access to unsafe areas.
Footwear – Make sure workers have slip-resistant boots suited to the conditions.
Training – Teach your crew to spot hazards, tidy as they go, and report issues straight away.
Regular reviews – Walk the site daily and use checklists so nothing gets missed.”

Good housekeeping makes all the difference. The HazardCo App has handy checklists to keep your site tidy and safe.

Don’t wait for a near miss to remind you. Start managing slips and trips today and if you need a hand, the HazardCo team is only a call away.

Got lone workers on your team? Here’s what you need to know

If someone on your team is working by themselves without other people around and without direct supervision, they’re likely considered a lone worker. Whether it’s a regular thing or just every now and then, it’s your job to make sure they’re safe and supported.

Who counts as a lone worker?

It’s not just remote bush jobs. Lone workers might be team members who:

Travel solo for work
Cover big distances
Work in a remote or isolated spot
Work by themselves in a separate area on a larger site
Do night shifts or work odd hours

If this sounds like anyone on your team, there are a few key things you need to think about:

Keep security front of mind

Lone workers may face more risks, both to their own safety and the gear or materials they’re using. You need to make sure they’re prepared and protected. Vulnerable workers like apprentices and inexperienced workers shouldn’t be working alone.

Don’t let them feel isolated

Working solo can be lonely. No banter. No team catch-ups. It takes a toll.
Stay connected with regular check-ins like phone calls, group chats, or video calls. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just make it consistent. A quick “How’s your day going?” can go a long way.

Don’t leave them out of the loop

Just because someone’s working away from the team doesn’t mean they should miss out on training, updates, or important info. Keep the comms flowing so everyone’s in the know – no matter where they are.

Set them up with the right gear

Make sure lone workers have the tools and tech to get the job done safely and stay connected. That includes:

A phone or two-way radio
GPS or location tracking if they’re in an isolated area
The HazardCo App – for easy hazard reporting and support
PPE that suits the job
A fully stocked first aid kit (and training on how to give first aid)
A fire extinguisher that’s been checked in the last 12 months

Try a buddy system

Simple, but it works. Pair your lone workers with a buddy – someone they can check in with daily. Share location, talk through the day’s work, and have a bit of a yarn. It keeps morale up and helps you respond faster if something’s not right.

Have a plan for emergencies

Use the Emergency Plan template in your HazardCo Hub to create a clear plan for how to get help fast if something goes wrong.
Make sure your team knows what the plan is and how it works. Test it out, and keep emergency contact info up to date.

At the end of the day, look out for your lone workers the same way you would if they were right there beside you. A bit of planning and a good dose of communication makes a big difference. Put some restrictions, like no High Risk Work will be done by lone workers.

Need help?
If you’re a HazardCo member, the Advisory Team is just a tap away in the app. We’re here to keep things simple and help you keep your team safe, wherever they’re working.

Take the Hassle Out of Toolbox Meetings

Toolbox meetings don’t need to be a paperwork mission. With the HazardCo App, you can run quick, focused chats straight from your phone – No prep, no printing, no hassle.

The Toolbox Meeting feature guides you through what to cover, step by step, so you can hold the meeting anywhere on-site and tick off all the right boxes as you go. It’s all recorded in the app, and a full report lands in your Hub, ready to download or share with the team.

How often should we have a Toolbox meeting?

Daily prestart meetings: Kick off each shift with a short chat on that day’s tasks and hazards. These short meetings help keep safety front-of-mind and ensure everyone is aligned before work begins
Weekly toolbox meetings: Hold more in-depth sessions at least once a week to discuss recent incidents, site safety issues, changes to plans or regulations, new equipment or procedures, and upcoming high-risk work
Ad hoc meetings: Jump in when new risks pop up: weather shifts, incidents, or handle issues that can’t wait.

Keeping toolbox meetings regular boosts safety in three big ways: they keep safety top of mind with frequent check-ins, help build a strong culture where everyone’s looking out for each other, and give you the chance to spot and fix hazards before they turn into incidents.

What to cover in a Toolbox meeting:

Stuck for ideas on what to talk about? Here’s some great starting points:

Today’s tasks and risks
Weather conditions
PPE requirements
Recent incidents or near misses
Any changes on-site
Questions from the team

Keep your toolbox meetings interactive by getting the crew involved, it makes a big difference. Ask for feedback at the end of each chat to see what’s working (and what’s not). Encourage the team to speak up about any issues they’ve spotted on-site. When everyone has a voice, safety becomes a team effort, not just another box to tick.

Cool tip to save you time: Use your phone’s voice-to-text tool to speak your notes out loud (just look for the little mic on your keyboard). You can even snap a quick photo to record who was there.

Working solo? You can still use the app toolbox feature to log safety convos with other tradies or subbies – Every chat counts.

And remember, the Toolbox Meeting feature isn’t just for toolboxes. Use it for pre-starts, safety meetings, or committee catch-ups too.

Keeping your site safe starts with good conversations – and with HazardCo in your hands, they’re easier than ever.

Get your team scanning in and out – it’s a no-brainer!

We get it, health and safety chats aren’t always the most exciting. But they are the most important. When everyone on-site takes part, it makes a big difference. And the easiest place to start? Get your team and subbies scanning in and out of site each day.

Your HazardCo QR code (on your Hazard Board) makes it quick and easy and the benefits stack up:

You’ll always know who’s on-site – even if you’re not. The info is saved to your HazardCo Hub, so you can check back anytime.
Productivity boost – tracking trades on-site helps with timesheets and planning.
First-time users complete a site induction – so they’re across emergency contacts and safety rules from the get-go.
Access to your Site Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) – key hazards, emergency plans, and control measures all in one place.
Using Project Plus? Workers can see site notices straight in the app, so it’s easy to keep everyone in the loop.

Scanning in each day is also a good nudge to stay switched on about safety. The more we talk about it, the more we act on it, spotting hazards and taking care of each other.

It also helps you:

Share the safety responsibility across the team.
Look after lone workers by tracking check-ins.
Keep a clear record in case there’s an incident or investigation.

Need help getting the team onboard? Try this:

Use your next Toolbox Meeting to show everyone how to scan in with the QR code.
Offer your team a Friday shout if everyone scans in all week.
Make it part of your contracts and set that expectation from the start.

There’s no downside, scanning in is fast, easy, and helps everyone go home safe. Got questions? Get in touch with the HazardCo team. We’re here to help.

There are lots of good reasons to get everyone scanning that QR code so get your team on board with it today. If you have any questions reach out to the team at HazardCo

Working with heavy machinery and managing traffic on-site can be risky. But with the right checks and planning, we can keep everyone safe.

Daily machinery checks

Before starting work each day, make sure your equipment is ready to go:

Visual checks (before starting the machine):

Check fluid and oil levels; look for leaks.
Ensure tyres are free from damage and in good condition.
Confirm safety mechanisms are in place and working.
Make sure warning signs are visible and readable.
Inspect attachments, clips, and pins for damage.
Look over hydraulics for any issues.

Stationary function test (with the machine on):

Test the horn and reversing alarm.
Check that lights, pedals, and controls work properly.
Move the bucket and arms to ensure they operate smoothly.

Moving function test:

Test the steering.
Ensure brakes are functioning correctly.

Using your manufacturer’s checklist or the HazardCo Heavy Machinery Prestart checklist can help you cover all these points.

Managing site traffic

Keeping vehicles and people safe on-site requires a solid traffic management plan. Here’s what to consider:

Traffic direction: Plan routes for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Delivery areas: Set up clear zones and schedules for loading and unloading.
Site layout: Define speed limits, traffic flow, and place barriers or fences where needed.
Safe practices: Establish procedures for loading, unloading, turning, and reversing.
Site restrictions: Be aware of noise levels and traffic volume.
Unattended sites: Plan how excavations are managed when no one is around.
Emergency procedures: Have clear steps in place for emergencies.

Discuss this plan during site inductions so everyone knows the rules and expectations.

Know your limits: Zone of influence

Heavy machinery can affect the stability of excavations if operated too close. Keep all heavy vehicles, materials, and spoil at least one meter outside the zone of influence unless specific designs support closer operations.

Preventing tip-overs

Uneven ground can cause machinery to tip over, leading to serious injuries. To prevent this:

Planning: Supervisors and operators should assess the area before work begins.
Risk assessment: Operators should evaluate risks before starting each job.
Safe routes: Choose the safest paths for moving machinery.
Digging practices: Never dig underneath an excavator.
Distance: Work at a safe distance from excavation edges.
Procedures: Have standard operating procedures in place.
Design: Ensure work areas are designed to control hazards.
Safety features: Equip cabs with roll-over and fall-over protection; operators should wear seat belts and keep doors closed.
Exits: Ensure there are always two exits from the excavator.

If you would like more information head over to our website or to chat with one of our friendly Advisory team please give us a call on 0800 555 339.

Operating Machinery

Working with heavy machinery can be dangerous. Incorrect use or untrained operators can lead to serious injuries or worse.

Training and Supervision

Machinery should only be used by workers who are:

Trained and competent with the equipment they’re operating
Supervised, especially if they’re new or unfamiliar with the task
Provided with clear instructions, risk assessments and task analysis

Regularly assess operator competency through refresher training, observations and feedback. Keep training records and verify workers have the appropriate licenses.

Pre-Start Check – A quick routine that makes a big difference

Before using any machinery, complete a daily prestart check. These checks must be done by a trained and competent person.

Visual checks (before turning the machine on):

Fluid and oil levels are good, and there are no leaks
Battery is clean, charged and secured
All safety guards and features are in place and undamaged
Warning signs are in place and easy to read
All clips, pins, and attachments are secure and not worn or damaged
Hydraulic hoses are in good condition and lubricated

Stationary test (machine is on but not moving):

Horn, reversing alarm and lights are working
Pedals, and control panel are working properly
Bucket and arms fully extend, retract and tilt smoothly

Moving test (short drive):

Steering is responsive
Brakes function correctly

Use the manufacturer’s pre-start checklist, the HazardCo Heavy Machinery Prestart Checklist or the HazardCo App Plant/Machinery Pre-start tool to guide your checks. Making sure to keep a record of your completed checks.

Quick Hitches, Safety Locks, and Exclusion Zones – Take the time to get it right

Quick hitches help you swap attachments fast – but can be dangerous if not properly secured.

Before operation:

Confirm the attachment is the right fit and in good condition.
Visually check all locking pins and safety devices are installed correctly.
Set and mark exclusion zones and communicate these to all workers on-site

All quick hitches must clearly show:

Model and serial number
Manufacturer’s name
Weight and max rated capacity
Safe lifting capacity for each lifting point

Store spare locking pins with the machine, and only use attachments that match the correct pin size.

Cover any machinery risks and controls in your task analysis and share it with everyone on-site.

Don’t cut corners on safety

Missing a step like skipping a daily check or rushing an attachment change can have serious consequences.

Taking five minutes to do it right can prevent serious injuries and keep your sire running safely.

If you have any questions, get in touch with the HazardCo Team today

Digging into the ground might seem straightforward, but excavation work is actually one of the most dangerous parts of construction. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and put the right safety measures in place to keep everyone safe on site.

Start with a solid plan

Before you get started, take time to plan things out. Planning means identifying the hazards, assessing the risks, and deciding suitable controls – with input from the team. Make sure an emergency plan is in place in case something goes wrong. Every site is different, so take its unique features into account when planning.

Watch out for these common excavation risks:

Securing the area
Keep excavations securely fenced off with sturdy barriers that won’t give way if someone leans or falls against them. If you’re not actively working in or near the trench, cover it up or backfill it as soon as possible.
Falls from height
If there’s a chance someone could fall into the excavation, that’s considered working at height. Make sure you’ve got the right safety controls in place such as edge protection, guardrails or barriers. Click here to see guidance on how to reduce fall risks.
Ground collapse
This is one of the biggest dangers. Don’t assume the ground will stay stable. Use shoring, shielding, benching, or battering appropriate to the soil type and excavation depth to prevent it from caving in. Make sure a competent person inspects the excavation daily and after any event that could affect stability e.g. heavy rain.
Safe ways in and out
Make sure workers have safe access and egress at all times. Keep ladders, ramps, stairs in good condition and ensure the bottom of the excavation is clear to allow a quick and easy exit if needed.
Underground and overhead services
Always check for underground and overhead services before you dig. Use tools like beforeudig to locate underground services. Hidden services if struck can cause serious injury or worse.
Water in the trench
Never let workers operate in a trench that has water pooling in it unless you’ve got the right safety controls in place such as dewatering methods, and a competent person has checked the excavation stability
Do you need to notify WorkSafe?
Some excavation work must be notified to WorkSafe NZ before you begin. If that’s the case, fill out the Particular Hazardous Work notification form at least 24 hours before work begins.

Keeping yourself and your team safe is what matters most. Make sure you’re clear on your responsibilities when it comes to managing excavation risks.

Need a hand? The HazardCo App has helpful resources for site reviews and risk controls. And if you’ve got questions or need support, just reach out to the HazardCo team – we’re here to help.

We get it — figuring out what to do after an incident or near miss on-site can feel a bit overwhelming. One of the most common things our Advisory Team hears is, “Do I need to report this?” If it’s a notifiable event, you have a legal duty to let WorkSafe NZ know – Sounds like a lot of paperwork right? Not with HazardCo, our App makes it easy to log an incident or near miss and we’re here to guide you with what to do next!

What counts as a notifiable event?

If someone needs immediate medical treatment beyond on-site first aid, someone’s health and safety was put at serious risk, it might be classed as a notifiable event. When you report it through the App, we’ll let you know if you need to give WorkSafe a call.

Why report near misses and accidents?

Every time you report an incident or near miss, you’re helping make the site safer. It’s not about pointing fingers — it’s about learning from what happened and stopping it from happening again. Everyone on-site has the right to know about any risks, and we all play a part in keeping each other safe.

Creating a culture where everyone feels comfortable reporting issues means better communication and fewer surprises.

How to report in the App

It’s easy:

Open the HazardCo App
Use the Report Incident feature
Fill in what happened (photos and details help!)

Your report is saved in the Hub and kept on file while you’re a HazardCo member

What happens next?

The App will prompt you to give us a call if needed. Our Advisory Team gets a copy and will:

Check if it’s a notifiable event
Contact you if it is notifiable
Guide you through how to notify WorkSafe and help with any follow-up steps

We recommend:

Taking photos of the scene, where appropriate
Completing a Site Review
Sharing learnings in a Toolbox Meeting (both available in the App)

Keep records

You’re legally required to keep these records for at least 5 years. Logging everything in the App means it’s all saved in the Hub, organised and easy to access if you ever need it.

No one wants accidents to happen on site, but being prepared makes all the difference. Stay calm, follow the steps, and give us a call if you’re unsure. Our Advisory team is available 24/7 for serious incidents.

Got a question? Reach out to us today — we’re here to help.