Asia Pacific Infrastructure: June - July 2021 by Media Solutions

JUNE - JULY 2021

Rail

Renaissance

OR BILLION-DOLLAR BUDGET BLOWOUT? Budget 2021: Construction sector reacts

Rethinking local councils

SPECIAL REPORT

June - July 2021

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June - July 2021

Sponsored Article

Next generation concept machine for Komatsu As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, Komatsu President and CEO Hiroyuki Ogawa announced a fully electric, remote-controlled mini excavator powered by a lithium-ion battery

SPECIAL REPORT

esigned to lay the foundations for commercialisation of fully electric construction equipment of the future, this concept machine for a three-ton class (bucket capacity: 0.09 m3) mini excavator is based on Komatsu's accumulated technological expertise in electric forklifts and mini excavators. It incorporates new technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and electric cylinders which utilise no hydraulics. "Looking into the next 100 years, Komatsu will continue to move forward with its stakeholders as it creates value through manufacturing and technology innovation to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet thrive together,“ says Sean Taylor, Managing Director and CEO Komatsu Australia. “Komatsu's focus is on creating a sustainable footprint through our operations, processes and our products." Thanks to full-electric power, it is an eco-friendly machine, as it generates no exhaust gas, noise or heat. In addition to improved energy efficiency, it also features maintenance-free operation thanks to no use of hydraulic equipment. As this concept machine requires no operator on board, Komatsu has achieved totally new

concepts related to vehicle designs and performance. A vehicle controller and operational device are connected via wireless LAN, resulting in no need to install facilities or create an environment, which are required in the conventional remote-control system, and enabling remote control operations under any work environment. With respect to the operational devices of the vehicle, the operator can select the one which he/she likes. Furthermore, it offers a new workstyle of operating it without boarding it, reducing the operator's fatigue and improving workplace productivity. Thanks to electrification and remote control, this machine should be stressfree for the operator, as it will make machine operation easy for work in confined, dangerous sites, such as for indoor demolition and rescue work from disasters.

In 2020, Komatsu launched the PC30E-5 electric mini excavators (hydraulic drive) in Japan, and the company plans to introduce electric mini excavators (hydraulic drive) after equipping them with the lithium-ion battery system used in the concept machine for Europe in FY2022. Komatsu is working to not only accelerate the speed of commercialising construction equipment with little environmental impact, but also further anchor them into the future.

Taylor further added that "Climate change and moving towards a global zero-emissions economy is obviously the big challenge for our generation. Komatsu has a long and rich history of driving sustainable innovation, with industry breakthroughs such as the first Hybrid Excavator which reduced fuel consumption by over 40% and the deployment of low emission engines that reduce particulate matter by up to 80 percent - this concept machine is an exciting extension of this journey."

Komatsu is an industry-leading manufacturer and supplier of equipment, technologies and services for the construction, forklift, mining, industrial and forestry markets. For nearly a century, Komatsu equipment and services have been used by companies worldwide to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create technology and consumer products. The company's global service and distributor networks support customer operations, tapping into the power of data and technology to enhance safety and productivity while optimising performance. infrastructurenews.co.nz

June - July 2021

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June - July 2021 3 6 7 8 10 11 14 16 17 18 19 20 28 30 35 36 38 42 44 46 50 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 64 65 68

Next generation concept machine for Komatsu Time to get smarter with more science driving technology How scalable data centres help Mainfreight’s vision Practical benefits that certification will drive to the bottom line What is pushing up house construction costs? Budget 2021 - an industry analysis Chemical safety relies on meaningful cooperation Five ideas to shake off recovery blues AC Filter - an engineered solution protecting worker health Green machine delivers safety and productivity Industry gets serious about electric trucks Billions invested in rail - a special report Review of local government presents major opportunity Partnership brings mental health awareness and training to construction Facilities management with personal service Where does housing fit into Budget 2021? Residential construction reforms save time and improve quality control Why accessible design will create long-term value Government advances forestry agenda at expense of steel Training doesn't have to be ‘on the job’ to be hands-on No better investment than chemical safety training Standardised training the way forward Breathe easy when working with asbestos and silica dust The future of on-site training Take advantage of industry growth with Free Trades Training Over $32 million spent on dog bites since 2015 Unlearning misguided muscle training keeps you pain free at home and work Changing mindsets about chronic conditions Worker engagement brings health and safety benefits Why a pragmatic approach to health and safety just makes sense Li-ion: an invaluable asset with little regulation

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June - July 2021

TECHNOLOGY

his dream of course will need to be based in general on science and in particular on chemistry. As one of only 10 countries worldwide launching space satellites, New Zealand is to establish a second launch site near Christchurch - a welcome boost for this increasingly important industry - offering a heady mix of advanced technology and most importantly, new skills. The same day, research by science media personality ‘Nanogirl’ revealed an increasing number of teachers are choosing not to teach science in our primary and secondary schools. Skilled teacher shortages compound the problem. Reportedly, only 20 percent of children in their final year or primary and intermediate education reach the expected level of the science curriculum. It is frustrating to try and identify the number of science graduates from New Zealand universities in recent years. There are numerous vacancies for scientists being advertised and employers wishing to sponsor technically qualified migrants complain of increasing delays when applying under the Long Term Skill Shortage category. Our inability to provide our own technologists to sustain the transition to a modern economy is highlighted in these topical examples: - New Zealand’s latest Cleaner Energy initiative - Our climate change commitments and aspirations that will require world-class scientists enabling and facilitating the transition from fossil fuels to acceptable, renewable alternatives. Scientists warn our drive towards natural, cleaner and renewable energy will 6

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We need to get smarter with more science driving technology Recent news items reflect the internal conflict concerning our desire to become a technologically advanced society, offering cutting-edge solutions that are beyond mere mortals elsewhere always be vulnerable to shortages of rain and wind. That means we must be much smarter at ensuring cleaner energy improvements are in place, before we introduce the bans. For example, our largest power station at Huntly is switching from burning poor quality, imported coal to natural gas. The impromptu ban on new gas exploration has resulted in the diversion of export gas to the Huntly power station, keeping the lights on in our major city, while hopefully fully compensating for the lost foreign exchange. Either way, electricity consumers continue to pay more. There was welcome news last month of a major upgrade for the South Dunedin Hillside Workshop and the additional jobs involved. It appears a major activity will be producing a much-needed 1,900 wagons to enable rail to replace the fossil fuelled trains, to progressively replace the fossil fuelled trucks congesting our roads. Media reports 400 wagons will be imported, but appear unable to confirm that the

remaining 1,500 wagons will comprise the assembly of imported kitsets, not the manufacture of wagons – perhaps signalling a return of our expensive, unlamented local vehicle assembly experience? As we drift between the leading-edge technology occurring in our agricultural sector and our fledgling space enterprise, finding world class solutions to pressing issues such as climate change, while also diversifying and growing our export earnings, will require scientists. Innovation begins in the classroom and laboratories, thanks to scientists and their work to address an expanding list of challenges which will establish our quality of life for generations to come.

Chemists are critical to pharmaceuticals and healthcare (think pandemics), agriscience, consumer products and particularly educating their successors. There is presently not the traditional career development where scientists move freely between industry and government research, or into teaching for our common benefit. Cutting off qualified migrants only exacerbates our difficulty in supplying the talent New Zealand desperately needs. As we adjust to the Covid environment, let’s optimise the apprentice/ trainee subsidies available, to encourage employers to hire the future scientists and chemists who will help deliver that technologically advanced society we seek.

Barry Dyer is chief executive of Responsible Care NZ. The views expressed here may not necessarily be the views of Responsible Care NZ.

June - July 2021

o one can accuse Mainfreight of thinking small. You have to think big to take a local trucking company in New Zealand and grow it to a global logistics giant. That bold thinking about growth means they don’t just think five or 10 years down the road. “The 100-year vision is something that our company founder came up with,” says David Hall, Group IT Infrastructure Manager of Mainfreight. “If we invest 50 million dollars in a new facility, we’re not doing that thinking about it over the next 20 years — we’re thinking about that over the next 50 years or so.” In less than 12 weeks, Schneider Electric deployed a modular, scalable EcoStruxure data centre with the performance

How scalable data centres help Mainfreight’s vision As a leading shipping company, Mainfreight needed an easy-to manage, yet state-of-the-art data centre that would meet present-day needs and support their growing global expansion Mainfreight needs to run their business well into their future. Expandable UPS, power, cooling, and enhanced software capabilities provide flexibility for future growth. EcoStruxure IT on-premise DCIM solution takes data from connected devices, delivering the analytics and visibility Mainfreight identifies as key

to their growth ambitions. This goes beyond just modernising their systems to be set up for technological advances. It also means collecting data that allows Mainfreight to pursue new services to customers that give them an edge on the competition. “The ability to provide big data-type analytics on what

their business is doing in terms of stock levels and other things like that, has become quite an invaluable thing,” Hall explains. With Schneider, Mainfreight has identified a partner they can depend on to help them fulfil their bold promises for the future. “Schneider Electric isn’t just a vendor, they’re a partner."

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MANAGEMENT

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June - July 2021

MANAGEMENT

ertified organisations provide their customers with a high level of confidence that they are adhering to a more structured method to manage, assess and improve their overall business performance. This provides confidence to buyers that an accredited, impartial independent third party has assessed their supplier’s organisational performance and found it compliant to an internationally recognised standard. Accredited Certification (AC) also provides assurance that the organisation is aligned from its governance levels through to frontline workers. It gives workers a voice and leads to increased levels of confidence at all levels that the way work is planned translates directly to the way work is done. AC is designed to keep lifting performance and culture for organisations who are willing to embrace a mind-set of continuous improvement. AC is not designed to rubber stamp poor performance. The reality is that the benefits of certification depend on the organisational mind-set. Telarc has clients who are certified against one, or all, of the three most globally utilised and recognised ISO standards: quality, environment and health & safety. Most companies that implement certification understand that these standards help an organisation identify, manage and mitigate risk, reduce waste, increase profitability, help attract new clients and retain staff. ISO Standards ISO’s standardisation is focused on improving the way a business delivers 8

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Practical benefits that certification will drive to the bottom line

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Companies contemplating certification need to have a desire to be the best, or at least a better operator than they are today, says Telarc Chief Executive Philip Cryer outcomes to its customers, its workers and the community on a day-to-day basis. The ISO audit approach utilises a Plan, Do, Think, Act improvement framework in evaluating and granting certification to businesses -- the Annex SL framework is designed to guide the auditor and the customer to understand that what is being approved as policies or practices are representative and reflective of work by frontline workers. Accredited Certification To optimise the value of the certification process an Accredited Certification Body (CB) should be used. This ensures that the rules that govern Certification are being applied by the CB and that the decisions made can be shown, via an approved third party such as JAS-ANZ, to have been applied as per the directives that govern Certification. The combination of an improvement mind-set and the utilisation of an Accredited CB will lead to the organisation involved receiving, and potentially acting on, an annual audit outcome that provides a series of operational improvement activities.

Philip Cryer is Chief Executive of Telarc, a Crown Entity Subsidiary with a vision is to continue to excel as New Zealand's leading provider of systems assurance and training services. www.telarc.org | 0800 004 004

June - July 2021

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CONSTRUCTION

June - July 2021

What is pushing up house construction costs? The cost to build a house surged 1.3% over Q1 2021 and this growth is expected to continue, CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson explains

he March quarterly growth is the highest rate of construction cost inflation since Q1 2019, and far above the 0.6% and 0.4% increases throughout Q3 and Q4 2020 respectively, according to CoreLogic’s Cordell Housing Index Price. The Arcadis 2021 International Construction Costs report also found Auckland and Christchurch to be in the top 20 most expensive cities to build. We may now be seeing the clear impact of a busy construction sector flowing through to faster cost rises. Q1 bounced up to 1.3% growth and early indicators are that we will see a continuation of this growth 10 infrastructurenews.co.nz

in our Q2 report. Annual residential construction cost inflation is also back on the rise, up to around 3.3% in the March quarter after falling to under 3% in Q4 2020 from a peak of 6.9% in Q4 2017. The construction sector is proving to be a real bright spot in the economy; especially the residential segment. New dwelling consents annually are tracking at their highest levels on record. Our teams are also hearing through their research and conversations about increasing material and labour costs coming down the pipe as there are shortages and substitutions, and the expectation is for this to

have a continuing impact on the cost of building in the near future. When combined with potential COVID-related shipping problems, and also the recent publicity about shortages of structural timber domestically, the potential for faster and greater cost rises is accentuated. It is also important to note that work on consented alterations & additions is also running at the highest levels in 10-15 years, let alone any projects being done that don’t require consent. That just reinforces how busy the industry is, and is being driven partly by the fact that many owner-occupiers can’t find their ideal

next property (due to the lack of listings) and so are choosing to renovate not relocate. The Government’s recent tax policy changes which incentivise investors to target new-build properties could well add further demand to the sector and place more pressure on capacity and costs. Time will also tell if the Government’s budget reveal next week includes other enticements or measures aimed to lift housing supply. After all, any Government-boosted work is in competition with the private sector for scarce resources. corelogic.co.nz

Budget 2021 is a mixture of good news for the infrastructure sector, and some disappointments, according to an Infrastructure New Zealand analysis New Zealand Infrastructure Commission Chief Executive Ross Copland The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, welcomes the Budget’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure through a $4 billion boost to the capital allowance. This will support investment in roads, public transport, schools, health, housing, and climate change mitigation. New Zealand is facing many long-term infrastructure challenges, including responding to demographic and technological change, addressing climate change, catching up on housing supply, and upgrading run-down water infrastructure. But it’s not all about building new things. We need to be thinking about how we make smarter and better decisions about the existing infrastructure we have. Most of the infrastructure we will be using in 30 years’ time is already around us. The infrastructure sector is capacity-constrained, and the construction sector is already dealing with a significant workload and skills shortage. There are 2400 projects in the infrastructure pipeline worth $60 billion so there’s a lot of work to do. A stable and certain funding environment enables the infrastructure sector to scale up to meet our longterm infrastructure challenges, but we all need to be realistic about how fast we can build and deliver. Te Waihanga will continue to advise the Government to address these challenges and work with the sector to build up delivery capability. Going forward, sound planning and good investment decision-making are needed to ensure that we are set up for success. We know that there are more challenges to address. The Government has signalled that it is expecting to respond to the Climate Commission report through the 2022 and 2023 Budgets. We would expect infrastructure to play a role in that response.

Big Picture The Finance and Infrastructure Minister Grant Robertson says he wanted to provide confidence in the infrastructure sector, with a clear signal as to how much work will be coming. Total (net) capital investment – including in rail, roads, water, and health - over the near term (five years) is close to $60b. Waka Kotahi will spend $10b over five years on public transport, and roads. However, nearly half of the $60b will be invested in the 2021 and 2022 years, with capital investment trailing off by 2025. Net capital spending in 2025 will be about $8b, half that in 2022. So, for infrastructure, the near term looks sunny. The longer-term needs attention. Reading the Small Print Elsewhere, the small print reveals the government is under considerable pressure with the New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP). The budget says the $6.8b envelope which was originally provided is proving too small.

The Transport Agency and KiwiRail are going back to basics, reassessing all the NZUP projects. The small print says the government is ready to put in more to Three Waters, if necessary, additional to the 40% increase announced today, providing a signal of the government’s determination on Three Waters. Funding includes provision for transferring assets from local government to new water enterprises. Cost increases and skill shortages – on top of costs related to COVID-19 – are biting, especially in the government’s most ambitious builds. Budget 2021 reveals that Kāinga Ora is under cost pressure in its largescale housing projects. In Auckland, the budget says that City Rail Link will cost more than $4.4b. Let’s Get Wellington Moving is likely to cost much more than originally estimated, with the risk rising that the initiative may not be delivered in full. Post the Resource Management Act (RMA) Budget 2021 signals the scale of the task in parting company with the RMA, with $131m provided over three years to pay for the design and implementation of the three new statutes that will replace the RMA. Nearly 38% of that will be spent next year, which suggests the hard graft on post-RMA is beginning now. Detailed Commentary There are two key disappointments that are worth noting. Firstly, the government has, as expected, shied away from taking on more debt at a time of exceptionally low borrowing rates to fund an expansionary fiscal policy and this will infrastructurenews.co.nz 11

POLICY

Analysing T Budget 2021

he budget signals the government’s commitment to Three Waters, with 40% more cash ($296m newly committed) available. It also signals a big commitment to rail, with an additional $722m capital for Future of Rail. There is an investment in encouraging New Zealanders to shift to low-emission vehicles ($300m), a new regulatory standard for clean cars ($16m), and capital to Scott Base ($306m) and the civil aviation/aviation security estate ($113m) up to scratch. School property maintenance receives a $634m injection of capital.

June - July 2021

June - July 2021 new locomotives and 1,900 new wagons and upgrade existing stock, adding to the more than $4b put into rail over the last term of government. The rail allocation includes $85m to build a local wagon assembly facility at Hillside Workshops in South Dunedin; the facility will initially assemble 1,500 wagons.

POLICY

City Centre to Māngere Rapid Transit Project The government acknowledges that the cost of the preferred rapid transit solution for the city to Māngere corridor is uncertain at this stage. An indication of costs will be provided through the business case process undertaken by the establishment unit. Significant Crown funding will be needed to deliver the preferred solution. Other funding tools, including value capture will be further considered.

be a cause for frustration. The government could have been more ambitious and spent more on capital in the out-years, raising net debt. The second disappointment is around the lack of innovation. The government has missed an opportunity to be innovative, especially in making cities and regions internationally competitive and increasing their contribution to the gross domestic product. Auckland remains the engine of New Zealand’s growth as well as our only internationally competitive city, but there is little for Auckland – or indeed, any region – in the budget. 12 infrastructurenews.co.nz

Transport Transport is the biggest single infrastructure winner. It has received a funding boost of over $939m over the 10 years (2021-21 to 2029-30). Across the forecast period there will be $10b of investment in roads and public transport projects through Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency. For the 2021-22 period, a funding allocation of $7.906b has been made up, comprising of the following: - National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), funded through the National Land Transport Fund 50% at $3.976m - A loan facility for cash

flow management – 9% at $750m - Rail, in addition to funding through the NLTP – 22% at $1.77b - Road, in addition to funding through the NLTP, additional Crown and loan funding is provided for specific roading projects – 12% at $900m - Crown Entity and other funding – 7% at $519m. Rail Budget 2021 allocates a further $1.3b towards a reliable and resilient rail system, comprised of $810m capital spending and $535m operating spending. Of this, $810m is also allocated to purchase 60

NZUP The transport component of NZUP consists of projects delivered by both Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and KiwiRail within a fixed funding envelope of $6.8b. Waka Kotahi has advised its component of NZUP is facing a significant increase in forecast costs, primarily due to property price escalations and acquisitions, inflation, and revised standards and assumptions behind cost estimates. A baselining exercise has been undertaken to better define the scope, costs, outcomes, and schedules for the projects and identify options for moving NZUP forward. Housing Acceleration Fund The government had

June - July 2021

Three Waters Budget 2021 allocates a further $296m (original funding $761m) to fund the costs of the creation of new entities to effectively, equitably and efficiently manage water infrastructure and provide New Zealanders with safe supply wherever they live. The government says it is committed to water remaining in public ownership, with local authorities, communities, iwi and others playing a central role. Further announcements on the details and further support

for the programme will be made in coming months. District Health Boards A further $700m has been allocated for district health boards’ capital investment over the next four years. Final Remarks Some big questions remain for the infrastructure sector, notably how NZUP will roll-out post-assessment, and how the government’s $300m fund for low emission vehicle uptake will take effect. Three Waters remains a work in progress, with the government underlining its commitment, but with big hurdles to overcome yet. Hidden in the fine print of the budget are cost pressures on Auckland’s City Rail Link, Kāinga Ora’s major housing projects, and other places. Skills shortages are biting on big build projects. The story of Budget 2021 and infrastructure is less in what has happened, and more in what happens in the next 12-18 months.

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Silcock New Zealand’s civil construction industry applauds investment in people in the Government’s 2021 Budget, but sees a worrying lack of certainty in the forward infrastructure work programme for New Zealand’s transport and water networks. It is important to recognise the Government’s investment in people through funding for training, housing and other support. But more certainty and consistency was needed in a work programme that seemed to be eternally reassessed. This certainty is needed to provide long-term opportunities for people. Longer-term vision is needed when projects are brought to market, or by the time people are finished training in civil infrastructure apprenticeships, the money may have run out. Increased infrastructure investment is good, but the budget brings with it a bulge of early investment, followed by uncertainty and potential underinvestment further down the track. For the people currently training, more certainty of the work ahead is needed. It is hard to believe the New Zealand Upgrade Programme projects announced in January 2020 will be put back to the drawing board once again. The main concern is how long the projects will be on hold for, and how much more money will be spent on re-scoping and re-budgeting projects that had been announced as ready to go. The proposed increase in water investment of $296m is also ‘a drop in the ocean’ when considered against increasing demands on the aging water network, and is targeted to remodelling the way water is administrated rather than work on the ground. Despite this, it is great that the uncertainty created by combining rail investment with the existing National Land Transport Fund had been resolved in the short term to help offset decades of underinvestment in rail. Putting this additional rail funding into the National Land Transport Fund recognises the move to “multi-modal” projects now funded from this fund, and the impact this has on our investment in roading and road maintenance. There are long-term concerns about the sustainability of this approach, and while it is positive news there is more investment in infrastructure, there is a massive amount of pressure in the system. Adding short term funding to the National Land Transport Fund risks creating a short-term boom at the cost of long-term stability. Rather than a sugar hit, what we need is ongoing certainty and consistency about the level of funding so we can plan ahead.

infrastructurenews.co.nz 13

POLICY

announced earlier this year $3.8b to establish the Housing Acceleration Fund. $1.069b has been allocated for the 2021-22 period. The contestable fund will be aimed at boosting supply of ‘development-ready’ or infrastructure-serviced land across New Zealand and will go some way in increasing development capacity which is required through the National Policy Statement on Urban Development.

April - May 2021

Chemical safety relies on ERAC ELBISN OPSER GOT A meaningful cooperation A TOG RESPONSIBLE CARE

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Expanding government-industry partnerships to help business operators should be a no brainer. Inviting enquirers to read the regulations falls well short of educational expectations

EQUIPMENT

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June - July 2021

INNOVATION

ovid-19 accelerated the growth of some nascent industries, and opened up new niches in which quick-thinking founders could start and grow successful businesses, the report says. Virtual Reality Workplace Training Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools were already on their way to being integrated into the workplace when the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated their adoption. Startups are now developing simulations to train workers in a range of hard and soft skills, from installing solar panels and fielding customer service complaints to identifying workplace bias and leading with empathy. VR promises to train more people in less time than in-person or online training. Simulations let learners practice scenarios that would be difficult or dangerous to replicate in real life--and the data they collect can give employers a clearer view of workers' progress. Direct-to-Consumer Home Improvement If the original direct to consumer (DTC) homegoods companies targeted urban apartment dwellers, 16 infrastructurenews.co.nz

Five ideas to shake off recovery blues In periods of dramatic change, entrepreneurship thrives, says US-based INC’s annual Best Industries report selling mattresses, furniture, and houseplants, the next wave is moving to the suburbs. People are resettling outside cities and embracing DTC brands for their home-improvement projects instead of shopping at retail giants. Younger consumers, in particular. are gravitating toward more personalised brands with the aesthetics and convenience they are used to. Patient-Monitoring Tools The demand for remote health care services during the pandemic has been a proving ground for the telehealth industry. Remote patient-monitoring devices and software are a crucial component of telehealth, as the ability to track patient health remotely has been critical for the growing population of older patients and those with chronic conditions. Recent investments in the industry suggest a bright future for companies with

the best technology. Total telehealth industry revenue is projected to grow at an annualised rate of 8.3 percent, to $4.8 billion by 2025, according to market research firm IBISWorld. Plant-Based Hair Extensions Plastic braids, or braiding hair, are popular, but they can cause painful itchiness and irritation. Plant-based hair extensions, a new twist featuring materials like banana fibre, offer a potential solution to this problem and come at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking plant-based products. The market opportunity for plant-based hair extensions is significant, according to market research firm Nielsen. The U.S. wig and hairpiece market, valued at $391 million in 2020, is expected to reach $410 million by 2025, according to IBISWorld.

Digital Accessibility Services When large swathes of global commerce moved online, many businesses created websites and apps on the fly, without much regard for accessibility. The result has been major compliance problems. Adding features such as closed captioning on videos for deaf and hearing-impaired users and alt text on images for blind and visually impaired users who use screen readers signals that your organisation cares about people with disabilities, be they customers or potential employees. There are plenty of automated solutions to audit your website for compliance, but these services are estimated to miss up to 80 percent of the issues facing disabled users. Startups that can help software engineers find and fix accessibility problems on their websites and apps have a rare opportunity to solve a widespread problem.

June - July 2021

Sponsored Article

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he AC Filter cabin overpressure and filtration story began more than 30 years ago in The Netherlands and it has proven its durability and value. Fillflex manufactures, supplies and maintains AC Filter systems for any cab, on equipment of any type and size. “Our technology has often been copied, but there is only one genuine ACFilter product range,” says Fillflex

New Zealand managing director Bill Hackshaw. “The system optimises your equipment’s in-cab operating environment to protect both the health of the operator, and the existing heating, cooling and electronic systems in place. AC Filter complies with standards CROW132 and NEN4444.” Filters are certified, and available for all applications, including asbestos, respirable crystalline silica,

pollen, spores, hydrocarbon aerosols and gases that are harmful to humans. Parts and filters are of the highest quality, carrying the European CE Quality Mark. The system has a standard AOC (Advanced Overpressure Control) unit fitted in cab, with an optional PPM (Particles Per Million) readout function for hydrocarbons. The system is designed to maintain a pre-set value of 120pa in the cabin.

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Contact: Bill Hackshaw 021 232 0088 billh@brolube.co.nz infrastructurenews.co.nz 17

HEALTH & SAFETY

Control the risk to your machine operators and truck drivers from fine dust, hydrocarbons and other harmful airborne contaminants

MACHINERY

June - July 2021

Green machine delivers safety and productivity A long list of safety features is headlined by the Skylift MasterCab which provides excellent vision of the surrounding work area

he 875E is the result of intensive and extended design consultation between manufacturer Sennebogen in Germany, Pacific Materials Handling and Pedersen Group. It arrived onsite in Australia in late 2020. In less than two weeks the 165-tonne machine was assembled and handed over with in-depth operator training completed. “Central to the commissioning of the 875E was the need to deliver an unrivalled level of safety and tangible outcomes for the customer,” says Pedersen Group COO, Gavin Hudson, “Top of mind was the need to maximise the log storage capacity at the site while maintaining a strong focus 18 infrastructurenews.co.nz

on safety and productivity.” A special feature of the Skylift cabin is its ability to be raised to almost 14 metres while also lowering to a point where the operator can safely access it from ground level. The cabin is fitted with a second seat, ideal for supervisory work and operator training. A major benefit of the custom design of the 875E is its ability to have fully loaded log trucks drive underneath it before being unloaded. This not only reduces the space and time required to unload, freeing up site capacity, it also limits truck queuing, idling and movements, cutting carbon emissions. The 875E also has numerous access ladders, catwalks, galleries, and

handrails that make the daily checks and maintenance requirements safe and accessible. “We’re particularly pleased with the vision available from the MasterCab,” says Pacific Materials Handling Managing Director, David Hetherington. “Operating from such a height with a clear view provides a huge safety benefit. The accuracy and the agility of the machine, and its ability to handle slippery, non-uniform products, is also very impressive." The 875E also features Sennebogen’s Green Hybrid energy recovery system which reduces the required engine power by more than 30 percent. Efficiency gains are enabled with the latest Cummins 390kw Tier 4

Stage V engine delivering some of the best global emissions controls currently available. In addition to the 875E in Australia, Pedersen Group has also recently installed a new Sennebogen 821 Electric material handler at its Kinleith site, the third 100 percent electric material handler in Pedersen Group’s New Zealand fleet. “In both countries, the new equipment provides an immediate onsite reduction in combustion emission exposure for workers, as well as reducing fuel consumption and business carbon footprint,” says Hudson. “Electrification of equipment while using renewable grid energy significantly reduces forest-product supply-chain emissions.”

Industry gets serious about electric trucks

Eaton’s eMobility business has been awarded a contract to supply a 24-to-12 volt DC-DC converter for use in a commercial heavy-duty battery electric vehicle eMobility converter Features • Easily implemented into a system providing 24V power from a 12V input allowing use of 12V and 24V components on a vehicle • Allows use of 24V electrical components in a 12V electrical system providing greater system flexibility • With a low standby current of 0.7mA power is not used by the DC Converter when it is not required. • Clean output power able to power sensitive loads including radios and controllers • Proven reliability with over 500,000 fielded units another converter that takes power from the BEV’s 600-volt system and steps it down to 24 volts. The eMobility unit then takes it down to 12 volts for use in low-voltage systems and to power a backup 12-

Options • 40A & 55A models available • Output voltage offset to increase the output voltage • DC converter with fixed output voltage • Powder coated housing • Battery Equalizer with output voltage of twice the input voltage Standards & Certifications • SAE J1455, J1113, CISPR 25, E mark, RoHS

volt battery in case of a fault in the main power supply. Having this equaliser function, the 12-volt battery and a split 24-volt battery system ensures essential safety equipment can operate on 12 volts in the event of a power failure. That capability makes the converter unique among product offerings in this space. Eaton’s DC-DC converter also includes noise reduction and interference rejec-

tion so there is no interference between the unit and vehicle electronics. “The converter is rugged and robust, providing a seal against environmental factors, such as salt spray and water, and has high vibration resiliency,” said Trivedi. “It is an ideal solution for manufacturers that require a dependable method to power traditional vehicle components in high-power battery electric vehicles.”

Eaton’s eMobility product portfolio includes intelligent power electronics, reliable power distribution and protection solutions, and efficient power system electrification solutions for passenger car, commercial vehicle and off-highway customers. eaton.com/eMobility thomasjnellenbach@eaton.com (216) 333-2876 infrastructurenews.co.nz 19

ENERGY

he specialty converter works in conjunction with another converter that takes power from the battery electric vehicle’s (BEV) 600-volt system and steps it down to 24 volts. The unit will power accessories, such as antilock brakes and lighting. It is an exciting innovation not yet destined for the Asia-Pacific but puts importers of electric trucks here on notice. The BEV equalizer will be sold in the North American and China markets beginning later this year. “DC-DC converters are an essential part of our eMobility product portfolio and are used in a variety of vehicle applications,” said Pratik Trivedi, general manager, Eaton’s eMobility business. “Like traditional vehicles, electrified vehicles have low-voltage loads on boardlike infotainment systems, GPS and safety devices. Efficiently converting power from high to low is key, but it is also important to have a secondary converter to provide power to the traditional 12-volt loads. “We’re delighted to bring our proven power-conversion technology to this new, innovative electric-truck platform.” The battery equalizer works in conjunction with

June - July 2021

Billions poured into rail revival

TRANSPORT

The Government has committed $1.3b for rail in Budget 2021, building on previous Budget investments of $1.2b in 2020 and $1b in 2019, but where is all the money going?

Budget breakdown Budget 2021’s $1.3 billion for rail includes: • $722.7 million to continue the commitment to replace locomotives and wagons • $449.9 million to support investment in track and supporting infrastructure • $87.3 million to support essential maintenance of KiwiRail’s existing assets such as locomotives, wagons, ferries, and IT • $85 million to develop domestic rail workshops at Hillside in Dunedin. This builds on the Government’s revitalisation of rail, which has included: • Re-opening the Wairoa to Napier line • Building a third main line in Auckland (Wiri to Quay Park) • Extending electrification from Papakura to Pukekohe • Future rail stations at Drury to support housing development • Future-proofing Auckland’s City Rail Link • Bringing the rail line north of Auckland back up to scratch to help move freight • Getting 15 new electric trains onto Auckland’s growing network • Starting Te Huia – the Waikato to Auckland commuter service • Starting work towards a Palmerston North Regional Economic Growth Hub • Double tracking the rail line between Trentham and Upper Hutt • Saving the Wairarapa line from deteriorating with critical maintenance work • Bringing in new wagons and trains to replace aging assets.

20 infrastructurenews.co.nz

his is an outstanding level of investment from the Government which is truly revitalising rail, KiwiRail Chief Executive Greg Miller says. The Government says it is delivering on its commitment to invest in rail and develop domestic rail workshops to create jobs as part of the COVID-19 economic recovery plan. “Investing in critical infrastructure to boost jobs and the economy is a key part of the Government’s recovery plan,” says Transport Minister Michael Wood. Miller says KiwiRail has already replaced its aging North Island locomotive fleet, and this latest tranche of funding will fully cover the cost of purchasing new electric shunt locomotives

June - July 2021

Imported trains vs locally assembled $219,800

per wagon if assembled locally

$196,800

and replacing South Island locomotives, many of which are more than 40 years old. “It’s allowing us to build a new hub for maintaining South Island rolling stock at Waltham (Christchurch), and we will build a new facility at Hillside Workshops (Dunedin) to assemble wagons in New Zealand.” Instead of buying readymade wagons from overseas, the new Dunedin facility will allow wagons to be assembled locally. Wood adds that investing in rail workshops in Dunedin and Christchurch will create around 445 good local jobs and help boost jobs in the civil engineering and construction sector through the wider supply chain. These will also create apprenticeships and help

KiwiRail expects to assemble over 1,500 wagons over the next three years at the revitalised Hillside workshop, costing the country an extra $34.5 million. Railways and Maritime Union national secretary Wayne Butson argues the benefits outweigh the cost. "This government has commissioned reports, we've participated in studies and it's very clear that if you compare what Hillside can, could and will do against what our purchase decisions in the rail industry have been like over the past 10 years, we're going to end up with far superior products," Butson told RNZ. "We have a railway that is absolutely saturated with dog-and-lemon Chinese-manufactured locomotives that were full of asbestos, even though it was promised they wouldn't be, and they are as unreliable as hell. At any one time, there's about 40 of them out of service getting repaired - almost half the fleet." KiwiRail Chief Executive Greg Miller adds that the investment is supporting the local economy with 250 construction jobs needed for the rebuild. Wagon assembly itself means KiwiRail will take on 45 staff for new roles in producing wagons, instead of importing them fully upskill KiwiRail’s workforce. “As a result of Budget 2021, more than 600 contractors will be needed to upgrade and build the new facilities, particularly in the South Island, and local businesses will be needed to supply building materials,” Miller says. “The investment also means that KiwiRail will be taking on around 200 more employees – for ongoing track maintenance and renewal work across the country and wagon assembly at Hillside. We have committed to 10 per cent of new staff being apprentices

assembled. “KiwiRail is also committed to ensuring at least 10 per cent of our new intake to our workforce are apprentices or trainees. Bringing them together in our new facilities at Hillside will create a strong culture of learning and wider opportunities for development. “Having mechanical and wagon assembly together also creates synergies by being able to share some infrastructure and to grow skills. Once we’re producing wagons here, it will be a strength to the company to have the very people who assembled them, still here to service and maintain them.

or trainees. “This all means money going back into the regions, and helping New Zealand recover from the economic impacts of Covid-19. “But it’s also important for the future of KiwiRail and its customers. When we have new locomotives and wagons, and a rail network that is up to standard, we will be able to provide more reliable and timely services to our freight customers to better meet their needs. “We know there is more demand for rail freight than we can currently provide with our aging assets.”

Wood points out that COVID-19 supply chain disruptions have reinforced the importance of having a resilient and reliable rail freight network. “The new locomotives, wagons and critical track maintenance from the Budget will help us move more freight efficiently, reducing emissions and congestion. "On average, every tonne of freight moved by rail produces at least 70 percent less carbon emissions compared with heavy road freight. This helps with New Zealand’s crucial transition to a low carbon economy.” infrastructurenews.co.nz 21

TRANSPORT

per wagon if imported

June - July 2021

10 year rail plan gives pipeline certainty TRANSPORT

Rail will now be funded from the National Land Transport Fund, the same pot used for road infrastructure and paid for by road taxes

22 infrastructurenews.co.nz

ail provides $1.7 billion to $2.1 billion in value to New Zealand each year, according to an Ernst and Young report. The report shows that commuter rail saves 26 million car trips in Auckland and Wellington each year. Rail freight keeps 24,000 trucks off New Zealand’s roads and reduces transport CO2 emissions by around 2.5 million tonnes each year. "Rail has an essential role to play in our transport system given increasing freight volumes, road congestion and road maintenance costs and the need

to reduce emissions,” says KiwiRail Chief Executive Greg Miller. “The beauty of the Rail Plan is that for the first time KiwiRail has certainty about investment in the network. “For us, that means we can recruit staff and take on apprentices knowing that a 10-year pipeline of work is in front of us. “It also gives us certainty about procurement because we know there will be investment in the network. The Rail Network Investment Programme (RNIP), which will be released mid-year, will set out the

June - July 2021

A brief history of rail in New Zealand Early beginnings Starting in the 1860s, rail engineers designed a rail network that could operate across swamps and rivers, rugged mountains and dense forests, progressively connecting otherwise isolated communities and industries to the world. By 1880, New Zealand Railways (NZR) was operating more than 1,900km of track, and carrying almost three million passengers and 830,000 tons of freight a year. The Golden Age The first half of the twentieth century was a ‘golden age' for rail. By the 1920s New Zealand Railways (NZR) was carrying more than six million tons of freight and 28 million passengers a year - a remarkable achievement for a nation of just over a million people. Almost everyone travelling between major centres took the railway. Trains also delivered schoolchildren to the classroom, suburban workers to factories and offices, and thousands of day-trippers to beaches, parks, shows and racecourses.

Decline From the 1950s, rail's central role in the daily life of New Zealanders began to erode, as travellers opted to drive or fly rather than use passenger trains. Branch lines around the country were progressively closed and deregulation of the transport industry saw rail’s market share of freight transport drop significantly. Following years of ownership changes from 1993 when the Government sold New Zealand rail to an international consortium, rail was returned to public ownership in 2008. Renaissance With the new millennium came renewed enthusiasm for rail – globally and here in New Zealand. Concerns about green-house gas emissions and fluctuating petrol prices, changing global freight trends and growing congestion on our roads has led to a revival of rail, and recognition of its natural advantages moving freight, tourists, urban passengers within major cities and regional commuters to work in the city.

infrastructurenews.co.nz 23

TRANSPORT

detailed work programme. The RNIP will be the basis of funding requests through the National Land Transport Fund, which freight rail now has access to. This is the same pot used for road, walking and cycling infrastructure, funded by revenue collected from fuel excise duty, road user charges, vehicle and driver registration/licensing and road tolling. “The change in the pot rail is funded from, coupled with the release of the Government’s 10-year NZ Rail Plan, should put us on track towards a longer-term sustainable pipeline of rail infrastructure work,” says Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive, Peter Silcock. “Our rail infrastructure has suffered from under-investment in recent decades, so the country’s capability and capacity to build and maintain rail has also been run down. “In less than three years, the Government has announced more than $5 billion in rail investment, including investments in

June - July 2021

TRANSPORT

safety, locomotives, wagons and port freight rail. “But the brakes have been on when it comes to seeing investment translate into long term projects because rail funding has, until now, been decided annually. “If New Zealand is to go full steam towards new rail infrastructure, prospective workers need confidence there are long term opportunities in rail, and employers need surety that there is enough work on the horizon to warrant investing in training and developing

workers, equipment and plant. “The decision to make the National Land Transport Programme and Fund “mode neutral”, incorporating rail alongside road investment and walking and cycling investment, will help to ensure longer term thinking and go some way to providing the confidence industry need. “However, it will also stretch the Fund further. The Government will need to consider how it can ensure the Fund is sustain-

able, particularly when its core funding mechanisms – fuel excise duty and road user charges – are being eroded by the move to electric vehicles. “Coming up with a sustainable funding solution is a big question. We need answers soon if the Government is to guarantee the long-term viability of the Fund that is so crucial to the work we all do on our transport infrastructure.” National’s Transport spokesperson Michael Woodhouse is concerned

that putting more money into rail projects will mean there will be less for important road safety improvements and much-needed upgrades. “National supports a multi-modal approach to transport. We’ve always invested heavily in rail and public transport, but we funded rail directly from the Crown," says Woodhouse. “Labour should fund rail commitments directly, making sure fuel taxes can pay for much needed roading improvements.”

Te Huia - a missed opportunity or the start of something great?

The limitations of New Zealand's rail infrastructure mean we are still far away from high-speed inter-city rail throughout the country, but the Te Huia service linking Auckland and Hamilton may be a key first step

he $98m service has the potential to replace up to 73,000 return car trips annually, helping to ease congestion and reduce climate emissions from transport. Transport Minister Michael Wood says it gives commuters a real choice between being stuck in traffic or travelling by train. “Carriages have free Wifi, air conditioning, and plenty of tables and power points, so passengers can use their travel time productively." But when the train takes 1 hour 40 minutes to get from Hamilton to South Auckland's Papakura, it is easy to see why weekday patronage has been abysmal. Getting to Auckland CBD requires catching a separate train, adding another

24 infrastructurenews.co.nz

hour onto that journey and another train fare. This means the average worker would spend over 5 hours travelling at a cost of $47 each day. "We’ll continually monitor the service to make improvements, and more stops could potentially be added in the future,” Wood says. These improvements need to happen sooner rather than later if Te Huia is to be a viable service. Greater Auckland has made a list of recommendations.

key things. Those travelling further north into Auckland would have the ability to transfer to either a Southern or Eastern line train, making that transfer easier. It would also enable those from the Waikato to make a single

transfer to access the airport or Manukau. More Services On weekdays there are currently just two services to Auckland in the morning and two back to Hamilton in the evening and there

is one service each way on a Saturday. It’s just not enough and you better hope you don’t run late, or worse there’s an issue on the Auckland network, and miss your train. There clearly need to be more services, including

Extend services to Puhinui While it would be ideal to get services into Britomart, that’s not something that will be possible in the short term due to capacity constraints and that diesel trains aren’t allowed in there anymore. There’s are also capacity constraints north of Puhinui until the 3rd main is completed. However, getting services to Puhinui, which is due to reopen in the next few months, should be feasible and would do a couple of infrastructurenews.co.nz 25

TRANSPORT

June - July 2021

TRANSPORT

more on weekends and some that enable trips from Auckland to Hamilton in the morning. With the current trains available even just bouncing them back and forth between Auckland and Hamilton, say every two hours, would make it much more useful. More Stations The only stop between Hamilton and Papakura is in Huntly. Yet there are a number of communities along the route, including some seeing a lot of growth, that also should be being served too. In particular Tuakau, Pokeno, Te Kauwhata and Ngaruawahia. Combined those four towns are home to about 20,000 people so represents a substantial increase to the possible catchment and combined with more services we might even start to see some commuting from them to Hamilton. Speed improvements At about 1 hour 40 from Hamilton to Papakura the service averages at just

64km/h over the 105km distance. Once they’ve finished fixing the tracks in Auckland there really should be a focus on

getting it faster, which likely requires Kiwirail upgrading the tracks. If it was possible to get the average speed up to

80km/h it would bring the travel time down by about 20 minutes and would start to become time competitive with driving.

Case study: Rapid rail in Malaysia The Malaysian rail network was once remarkably similar to New Zealand’s, originally developed by the British in the colonial era. But while New Zealand has not progressed very far beyond this, the Malaysian government did a comprehensive overhaul of its rail to turn it from an an ailing freight line into a higher-speed rapid rail route. This project was impressive in its extent and outcomes, Greater Auckland reports. They electrified and double tracked the whole line, purchased brand new narrow gauge electric tilt trains and a new depot to keep them in, upgraded stations, eased curves, rebuilt the trackbed to high speed standards, grade separated road crossings, fixed all the drainage along the way, built one major tunnel to bypass a mountain range, and combined that with a new viaduct to skip a particularly windy section of route. This was topped off with a new branch line into the city of Butterworth to access a new terminal station. Today a 400km trip between Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth takes just 4

hours. The journey took almost twice as long before the upgrade. Clearly a fantastic improvement, but what of the cost? Obviously this scale of comprehensive upgrade isn’t cheap. In total, the whole package of tracks, electrification, stations, trains, depots and crossings for 400km cost the equivalent of around $7 billion NZ dollars, or about NZ$18m per kilometre. What does this mean for New Zealand? Given the similarity of the train and track systems between the two countries, it’s reasonable to expect we could do a full electric rapid rail overhaul for about the same cost. That is a very significant chunk of money, but it would buy not only a regional rapid rail system with frequent electric passenger trains running at fast average speeds between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, it would also fix up and electrify the main freight routes of the North Island. A relative bargain compared to some of our highway projects.

The future of Te Huia Greater Auckland's analysis of the Ministry of Transport's original Hamilton to Auckland Intercity Connectivity Interim Indicative Business Case indicates the Te Huia service is meant to be much more than it is today. The report comes up with a shortlist of four scenarios which, if any are implemented, paint a promising future for the service. Scenario A – Electrified 110km/h Electrify to Hamilton with a maximum speed along the route of 110km/h. This option is expected to cost about $2.2 billion and would see a total Britomart to Hamilton City journey time of just under two hours (113 minutes). Scenario B – Electrified, realigned up to 160km/h This goes a step further by including some corridor improvements to enable speeds of up to 160km/h. This is expected to cost about $5 billion and would reduce the end to end travel time to an estimated 88 minutes, or just under 1½ hours. This would put it at about the same speed as driving off-peak. 26 infrastructurenews.co.nz

Scenario C – New dedicated 160km/h corridor Using the same 160km/h top speeds, this takes the step of delivering it via an entirely new corridor. They estimate it would shave an extra 9-minutes off the journey for time of 79 minutes, but a completely new corridor comes with a hefty price tag of $12.2 billion. Scenario D – New dedicated 250km/h corridor This scenario looks at what if we built that new corridor in Scenario C with standard gauge tracks with trains capable of up to 250km/h. At $13.6 billion this doesn’t cost all that much more than C but would save an additional 10 minutes on the journey for a total time of just 69 minutes. One of the issues with this however is that standard gauge track would only be between Southern Auckland and Hamilton so users would still have to transfer to an express service to get through Auckland.

What successful light rail looks like for Auckland The Government’s new light rail establishment unit represents an opportunity to rethink the wider transport and development vision for Auckland to tackle congestion, carbon and housing affordability challenges, says Infrastructure New Zealand Policy Director, Hamish Glenn

he Government has set up a new Establishment Unit to evaluate options for rapid transit between the city centre and Mangere. The new unit will sit inside Waka Kotahi and be led by an independent chair with a governance board comprising representatives from Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, Ministry of Transport, Kainga Ora and Waka Kotahi itself. It is expected to report back to the Government towards the end of the year on mode, route, costing, funding, financing, value capture and delivery entity. This is an ambitious timeline and the new Transport Minister deserves credit for moving quickly to address questions over the future of

the project. While some were hoping for the announcement of a shovel-ready project, the Minister says he wants to be absolutely certain that the plan we move forward with is the right one. That is why this fresh start is involving Aucklanders and doing the work alongside them. The unit is expected to engage communities left out of the previous process. It will be important to engage not just communities but the industry which will be required to deliver light rail and which has endured several years of uncertainty. Early clarity will be important for the financial community in particular who will need to understand

what the Government’s appetite is for private sector involvement. Essential to the success of the Unit and its ability to develop a project which endures political cycles will be a broad mandate which answers major outstanding questions about the future growth and development of Auckland. Recently released ATAP analysis found that congestion and carbon emissions both worsen under current transport plans and there remains no evidence that housing can be delivered at a price point Aucklanders can afford. What is the transport network that Auckland needs to be a competitive, equitable and sustainable economy?

What does a transport system which achieves a net zero carbon New Zealand in 2050 look like? Where and when will competitive land supply which enables affordable housing be unlocked? If the Establishment Unit can answer these questions and demonstrate that light rail between the city centre and Mangere is an essential component then public concerns with the project will quickly dissipate. This project is a test case for the future of integrated transport and development in New Zealand. Other major cities in New Zealand will be watching the progress of the Unit closely as will the domestic and international infrastructure sector. infrastructurenews.co.nz 27

TRANSPORT

June - July 2021

Review of local government presents major opportunity Councils provide critical infrastructure services across New Zealand, including the planning, funding, delivery and regulation of billions of dollars of assets, but this 30 year old system is simply not geared for today’s challenges

POLICY

he traditional roles and functions of local government are in the process of changing. A Review into the Future for Local Government was announced today to consider, report and make recommendations on this matter. The work programmes the Government is advancing to overhaul the three waters sector and the resource management system are foremost among a suite of reform programmes that will reshape our system of local government. The sector, led by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and Taituarā – Local Government Professionals Aotearoa, is calling for a programme of work to ‘reimagine the role and function of local government’, in order to build a sustainable system that delivers enhanced wellbeing outcomes for our communities. The overall purpose of the review is to identify how our system of local democracy and governance needs to evolve over the next 30 years, to improve the wellbeing of New Zealand communities and the environment, and actively embody the Treaty partnership. Infrastructure New Zealand Policy Director, Hamish Glenn, sees this as 28 infrastructurenews.co.nz

a genuine opportunity to address a wave of serious issues across housing, transport and water by strengthening the ability of councils to execute, address long standing infrastructure funding and financing challenges and ensure that New Zealand becomes a more competitive, equitable and sustainable society. “We are very pleased to see the review panel has been given a broad mandate,” Glenn says. “The panel will consider the future of local government, including roles, functions and partnerships; representation and governance; and funding and financing.

“Councils provide critical infrastructure services across New Zealand, including the planning, funding, delivery and regulation of billions of dollars of assets. “The current local government system was largely set in place in 1989 and is simply not geared for the kinds of challenges we see today. “Complex environmental issues like climate change and freshwater degradation have combined with major economic trends around remote working and digitisation to fundamentally change our expectations of local government standards and services. “In the context of inade-

quate funding and financing arrangements for infrastructure, councils have not been able to keep up. “The review announced today gives the country a two year programme to discuss exactly what type of system might work better. “There needs to be a genuine first principles discussion around what services are best delivered locally, which services regionally and what centrally. “Effective strategic planning and infrastructure delivery needs a degree of scale that 67 territorial authorities are not optimised to implement. “But equally, there are a range of public services which do not benefit from

June - July 2021 report into local government funding and financing makes a series of important recommendations which we hope the Review Panel take up. “Likewise, in many areas around New Zealand there is too much bureaucratic duplication. Amalgamation of authorities where it makes sense has to be on the agenda. “At a time where the Government is amalgamating health services, resource management plans and polytechs, it is a no-brainer to also look at how our local authorities could work better together and, if need be, amalgamate to achieve better local outcomes. “The conversation should be about ensuring the best possible representation while delivering the services our communities expect. “With two years until the final report will be delivered, the Government needs to make sure other major reform pieces – like resource management and climate change – are aligned and avoid unintended consequences. “Now is the opportunity for the future of local government to focus on the issues which directly impact our communities and work towards better local democracy,” Freeman concludes. The Minister is seeking recommendations from the Review that look to achieve: a resilient and sustainable local government system that is fit for purpose and has the flexibility and incentives to adapt to the future needs of local communities; public trust/confidence in local authorities and the local regulatory system that leads to strong leadership; effective partnerships between mana whenua, and central and local

PORT

MUSEUM

POLICY

scale and which can and should be delivered closer to affected communities. “It is very important that central government itself keeps an open mind to reform as the review may identify opportunities to transfer responsibilities and resourcing to local government to better incentivise decisions. “This is a huge opportunity not just to strengthen local government but to improve the entire system of domestic decision making so that New Zealanders continue to enjoy high incomes, a sustainable environment and equal access to opportunities,” Glenn concludes. Property Council of New Zealand Chief Executive Leonie Freeman says this is welcome news for many in the property industry frustrated by barriers to growth and unleashing opportunity and potential. “We welcome the opportunity to help shape the way our local communities are governed,” she says. “It’s not only important for building houses and unlocking critical infrastructure, but it enables thriving cities and communities where people want to live, work and play. “The status quo isn’t working. The Review Panel needs to be bold in its recommendations and not lose focus of what this is about. “Significant issues around funding and financing should be addressed. Kiwis should not have to keep getting whacked in the wallet each year with unaffordable rates rises. “Local authorities should have more levers and tools to fund infrastructure and development spending outside of development contributions and rates. The Productivity Commission’s

government in order to better provide for the social, environmental, cultural, and economic wellbeing of communities; and a local government system that actively embodies the Treaty partnership, through the role and representation of iwi/Māori in local government, and seeks to uphold the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) and its principles through its functions and processes. The Review’s initial focus will be on how local government will be a key contributor to the wellbeing and prosperity of New Zealand and an essential connection to communities in the governance of New Zealand in the future. This will enable scoping of the broader work to follow, including identifying the process and priority ques-

tions that will be of most benefit to furthering the outcomes outlined in these terms of reference. The Review will then focus on answering the priority questions identified during its initial scoping work. The Review will go ahead in three stages: • 30 September 2021: an interim report presented to the Minister signalling the probable direction of the review and key next steps; • 30 September 2022: Draft report and recommendations to be issued for public consultation; • 30 April 2023: Review presents final report to the Minister and Local Government New Zealand. infrastructurenews.co.nz 29

June - July 2021

CONSTRUCTION

fter commissioning a 2019 report in partnership with BRANZ into suicide in construction, Site Safe began looking at ways to offer practical assistance to the industry to better understand and deal with mental health issues in its workforce. Site Safe Chief Executive, Brett Murray, says it was a logical step to take after the release of the report. “There was a real ‘what next?’ question, in us figuring out how to help our industry deal with the mental health issues that the report had clearly highlighted. “We have partnered with St John to develop this course to tackle some of these issues head on.” The course will equip attendees with the skills and knowledge to support their own mental health and assist others to do the same, with a particular focus on scenarios within the construction industry. Combining the experience of the St John trainers in delivering their existing mental health course and applying the real-world context of the construction industry has provided

30 infrastructurenews.co.nz

Partnership brings mental health awareness and training to construction A new Mental Health First Aid in Construction course developed by Site Safe and St John is bringing much needed support to the construction sector, flagged as a high risk industry for mental wellbeing outcomes intended to have benefits outside of just those who sit the course. St John Head of First Aid Training, Julian Price, says the partnership represents a valuable opportunity for the two organisations to further spread the message of the importance of mental health. “We have been delivering the Mental Health First Aid course since August 2018, however the ability to specifically target workers in construction who are at

risk of mental health issues – that is invaluable and is part of St John’s continued commitment to improving the health outcomes of all New Zealanders.” With successful trials run in Auckland and Wellington in late March, participants were in praise of the outcomes of the course. When asked about the value that the course provided, Wayne, a construction worker who participated in the Auckland trial, said that it was very informative and he learned a lot in the subject of Mental Health that he did not have much knowledge of. “It provided a lot more knowledge around how to identify and deal with persons in need of assistance.” One Wellington trial participant, Mickala, indicated that she would use her new understanding and skills to help others in her workplace. “It taught me how to properly engage with people who need some help … and encourage them to seek the help they may not know they need.”

Brett Murray is confident of a positive industry response and looks forward to further course developments in future. “My major focus for Site Safe as an industry leader and membership organisation is to work alongside the industry to develop high value products that address key issues the industry is facing. “Mental health is certainly one of those, and this course is totally aligned to that goal.” For more info and to book your seat on the Mental Health First Aid in Construction course, click here. If you or someone you know needs support, or someone to talk to, try: • 1737 – Mental Health Foundation support service. Free call or text any time • 0800 111 315 – MATES in Construction • 0800 543 354 – Lifeline (0800 LIFELINE) • 0800 376 633 – Youthline • 0800 726 666 – Samaritans

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID IN CONSTRUCTION Developed in conjunction with St John, our course equips you with the skills and knowledge to support the mental health of your team. TO FIND OUT MORE GO TO SITESAFE.ORG.NZ OR CALL 0800 SITE SAFE

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June - July 2021

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WOOD VS STEEL GOVERNMENT TIPS THE SCALES

THE RISE OF PREFABS

BUDGET 2021 AND HOUSING

BUILDING ACT CHANGES INFRASTRUCTUREBUILD.COM YEARBOOK 2018

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June - July 2021

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he team was forged by three friends working in the industry who realised that the key thing stressed building managers, business owners and landlords needed was to make a single call and get a reliable and qualified support team that would cover any aspect of facilities management. The Rapid trio set down a business philosophy that “we will do what others can’t or won’t do “ and set

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

The success of Rapid Facility Services is driven by a team that combines experience, commitment and a professional skillset that covers every aspect of facilities management with personal service

June - July 2021

Where does housing fit into Budget 2021? More houses, warmer homes and higher Māori home ownership were clear objectives in the Government’s latest budget, but they face criticism for lacking any real solutions to New Zealand’s housing crisis

HOUSING

inance Minister Grant Robertson's fourth budget will invest $3.8b in a Housing Acceleration Fund, insulate 47,700 homes and put $380m towards raising Māori homeownership, which currently sits at just 30%. $131.8m will also go towards replacing RMA, which is hoped to improve the delivery of new housing. Century 21 Owner Derryn Mayne applauds the Government on funding its housing initiatives, but says Budget 2021 will make little difference for most firsthome buyers. “The Finance Minister has long promised to ‘tilt the

36 propertyandbuild.com

balance more towards firsthome buyers’ but Budget 2021 has not achieved that. “He could’ve announced partnership models such as ‘rent to buy’ schemes or that the Government would act as loan guarantor for eligible first-home buyers. Another initiative could’ve been interest-free government loans for deposits on first homes – like student loans in tertiary education. It’s those kinds of things that would’ve made a real difference.” Property Council New Zealand Chief Executive Leonie Freeman adds that for many of the core issues around housing supply and

delivering infrastructure at pace, the Budget doesn’t offer any new options. “It’s encouraging to see the Government engaging with the community and investing in Māori housing, and our members are supportive of any initiative that increases and improves New Zealand’s housing stock. “However, it would have been good to see further investment in alternative housing initiatives to help fuel our housing supply,” says Freeman. “There is no mention of initiatives like Build-to-Rent in the Budget. At a time where all options should be

on the table, Build-to-Rent offers the Government a unique opportunity to support longer term options for New Zealanders. “Equally, support for local authorities and businesses to implement planning law reforms is critical to their success. Councils need the tools and resources to ensure the changes have a favourable outcome and remove any barriers that might exist. “Much of the detail around the Housing Accelerator Fund is still left out, so it is hard to know how much of a difference this will make to supply. Along with significant workforce constraints,

HOUSING

June - July 2021

it is not clear how effective this will be in the long term in increasing supply. “We are skeptical about the bold assumptions made regarding house price inflation. There is no clear evidence that interest deductibility and bright-line changes will lead to such a dramatic reduction in house price inflation – especially since many of the details around these policy changes are yet to be finalised or announced. Despite these criticisms, Building Better’s Dr Bev James says the Budget announcement should be considered in the context of recent housing announcements: the re-setting of tax policy in relation to the rental market, changes in rules regarding rent increases, the Healthy Housing Standards, the infrastructure fund, and the progressive homeownership programme. These are all initiatives the Government have already set in motion to address

New Zealand’s housing issues. James says the boost for Māori housing is very much needed. The budget focus is on: • Increasing housing supply for Māori. • Improving house condition, performance and safety through housing repairs. • Enabling residential development through infrastructure development (ring fenced part of the Housing Acceleration Fund). “Those areas are supported by research in Affordable Housing for Generations, and the Building Better Homes Towns and Cities National Science Challenge. That research has highlighted Māori housing stress. “However, the research also shows, that for all housing, increasing housing supply is necessary but insufficient in itself to deal with housing stress. “Research shows that new builds need to be targeted

to affordable rental and purchase opportunities for low and modest income households. Therefore, price points of new builds need to be affordable to families and whānau. “A large body of research shows that there is significant exposure to poorly performing housing, and links poor housing to negative impacts on health and wellbeing. “The acceleration of new builds is clearly important. Our research shows that housing stress affects not just low-income households, but also modest income households, including in some regions, households with incomes above the regional household income median. “All housing new builds should be price pointed to ensure that there is housing affordable to those on different income levels within a region, not just to increase aggregate housing supply. The progressive homeownership

programme and investment into public housing recognises that. “Research shows that affordable housing is critical to ensuring that people are securely housed, and their housing enables them to make a home.” James adds that further work will still be needed on housing for seniors, particularly in the rental market. “Our research shows increasing numbers of people will reach retirement as renters or with mortgage debt. Evidence suggests attention will need to be given to the prevention of homeownership loss. Our research suggests senior homelessness is already an issue. She also says it is important that new builds provide fit-for-purpose housing over a lifetime. “Previous research shows that accessible and universal-design housing support independence, living standards and reduces housing-related costs.” propertyandbuild.com 37

June - July 2021

Residential construction reforms save time and improve quality control

CONSTRUCTION

Amendments to the Building Act seek to improve the efficiency and quality of building work and ensure that any problems are resolved fairly

One down and one to go The Building System Legislative Reform Programme is a series of legislative changes to the building system that will lift the efficiency and quality of building work, and provide fairer outcomes if things go wrong. It is hoped that streamlining and certification of various functions in the newly signed-off first phase will ensure standards, do away with an endless string of repetitive consents and substantially cut building times for residential homes. The changes are being progressed in two phases. Phase One, the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, gained Royal Assent on 6 June. This bill is focused on improving the assurance system for building products, including CodeMark, and creating a voluntary certification scheme for modular component manufacturers (such as prefabrication and offsite manufacturing). Phase Two focuses on the professionals in the sector. It will progress reforms to occupational regulation of engineers and practitioners in the building and construction sector, so that people can have more confidence in these professions and their work. The first set of changes includes introducing a code of ethics for Licensed Buildings Practitioners, improving the efficiency of the licensing process, and the structure of the complaints and disciplinary model run by the Building Practitioners Board. Minister for Building and Construction, Poto Williams says the Government is committed to working with the sector to improve the occupational regulation of the various professions within the sector “as we continue to advance the biggest changes to the Building Act since its inception.”

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he bill introduces minimum information requirements about building products to “support better and more efficient decision-making and strengthen the product certification framework (CodeMark) to improve trust and confidence in the scheme.” The bill would ensure that products sold in New Zealand comply with the building code and establish a new manufacturer certification scheme for non-traditional methods of construction, such as modular components and off-site manufacture. It strengthens penalties for breaches of the requirements and creates new offences for noncompliance. The definitions of building products and building methods was not amended because “building products and building methods may evolve over time, and the regulation-making power would allow for this, without the need to return any legislation to Parliament.” Simply put, building product with various qualifications is defined as “a prod-

uct that could reasonably be expected to be used as a component of a building and building method means a method for using one or more products or things as part of building work”. Because a number of complex new regulations would be needed to implement some of the changes proposed by the bill, the final commencement date has been pushed out to 15 months except for range of amendments able to come into force with immediate effect. Under section 48 of the Building Act, the standard time limit for decisions on building consent applications is 20 working days, but this is shortened to 10 working days in specified circumstances. The 10-day time limit would apply when the building consisted entirely of a single modular component and had been manufactured by a single certified manufacturer. The new bill allows the introduction of a new voluntary manufacturer certification scheme for Modern Methods of Construction

(MMC). This works by certifying manufacturers to produce consistently safe and reliable building components and modules. The end-to-end process from design (where relevant), manufacture, assembly, and right through to transportation and installation on-site, are assessed with ongoing checks and balances to ensure construction meets the requirements of the building code. Once certified, third party inspections, audits and post-certification surveillance will provide confidence of quality construction. Consenting authorities can focus on on-site building work not covered by the MMC certification such as site works, foundations, plumbing and electrical connections or connections to utilities such as sewerage and storm water. A manufacturer’s certificate for a modular component will be considered or accepted as proof of compliance with the building consent. Under the amendments

to the Act, the government says manufacturers who prove their systems and processes are compliant will benefit from a new streamlined nationwide consenting process for prefabricated buildings. This will enable the mass factory production of high-quality buildings, halve the number of building inspections for factory produced buildings and ensure only the location where a prefab house is installed requires a building consent,

removing the possible need for two separate consents. Current consenting processes are geared to traditional construction methods and create barriers, duplication and delays for more innovative products and methods. The industry is well ahead of the game and already can deliver innovative and affordable housing efficiently, using techniques such as prefabrication and off-site manufacturing. Concision off-site man-

ufacturing in partnership with Versatile recently completed a four-bedroom, two bathroom, brand new family home in just 10 weeks, start to finish. The home’s 43 panels were manufactured in Concision’s factory in just two days. They were then delivered to site and installed in a single day. “In general, we can turn around the panels for a standard 150m2 home in about four hours and have capacity to build 1000 homes a year. Concision panels have recently been put to use in a 41-apartment block in Wellington, schools in Canterbury and Auckland and state housing units in Napier. Fletcher Building through its Clevercore brand has a hi-tech facility up-and-running in Wiri to “accelerate the manufacture of quality homes at scale by producing the core structural components of a home in a factory environment, in as little as a day.” This reduces onsite build times by 60 percent, or from 22 weeks to around 6-10 weeks, the company says.

propertyandbuild.com 39

CONSTRUCTION

June - July 2021

CONSTRUCTION

June - July 2021

Raising the bar on performance, quality and accountability in residential construction The MBIE review includes managing risks to the health and safety of the public, and the financial risks to consumers if work is done poorly

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he overarching objectives of the current MBIE review of the Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) scheme are to ensure first that regulation under the scheme is proportionate to the risks to public safety and wellbeing. It seeks to ensure that practitioners provide services with reasonable care and skill, operate within their areas and levels of expertise and can be held to account for substandard work and poor behaviour. “We are strengthening our occupational regulation of so that New Zealanders can remain confident in LBPs and their work,” said Amy Moorhead, MBIE’s Building Policy Manager. The LBP scheme was introduced in 2007 following an amendment to the Building Act, to help address gaps in the performance-based regulatory system that were exposed during the leaky homes crisis. It has not been reviewed as a whole since. The LBP workforce and wider building system has continued to evolve and become more specialised, and demands on builders have increased. The purpose of occupational regulation, including the LBP scheme, is to give people confidence in practitioners and their work and the regulations may not have kept up with the changes in the building sector, says MBIE . The scheme makes an important contribution to safe and durable residential buildings but does not regulate the entire building profession, just licensed builders when they are carrying out or supervising restricted building work. This only affects residential construction, and does not include commercial

June - July 2021 set of changes. The issues addressed in the current plans will lead to the second set of changes. The Government has agreed to strengthen the LBP scheme to introduce a code of ethics, improve the structure of the complaints and discipline model, to introduce independent investigators and to enhance the efficiency of the licensing administration process such as including a grace period for late renewals. Minister for Building and Construction, Poto Williams says the Government is committed to working with the sector to improve regulation of the various professions within the sector “as we continue to advance the biggest changes to the Building Act since its inception. “The sector is vital to New Zealand’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,

and a strong and robust LBP scheme is needed to provide assurance in practitioners and their work as we continue to improve the nation’s housing stock. “The scheme ensures that building practitioners have the right skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours to carry out and supervise quality building work. This

reduces health, safety and economic risks to homeowners from substandard building work,” she says. The MBIE is currently reviewing feedback from a discussion document to a further three proposed changes to the Licensed Buildings Practitioners (LBP) scheme before reporting to parliament.

CONSTRUCTION

construction, including most medium-to-large apartment buildings. When MBIE consulted on strengthening the LBP scheme in 2019, building consent authorities, industry groups and some builders reported they do not have confidence in the scheme because the required competencies to be licensed are too low. MBIE is currently seeking feedback from Licensed Building Practitioners and those who engage with them on three key elements of the scheme - the ability to supervise non-LBPs undertaking restricted building work, licensing classes and if the minimum standards of competency remain appropriate. In September 2020, MBIE undertook targeted consultation on proposals to strengthen the LBP scheme, as part of the first

Changes to the LBP scheme that have already been approved Introduce a code of ethics for LBPs to establish clear and concise behavioural requirements to manage poor ethical conduct Amend the following licensing processes in the Building Act to ease the administrative burden of the scheme, by: - moving the process for renewing licences from the Building Act to the LBP Rules - allowing for the licence term to be set in the LBP Rules, and prescribing the licence term to be no longer than five years in the Building Act - providing that the public register can distinguish between a licence that is not renewed by the due date and a licence that has been suspended due to disciplinary reasons, to improve clarity on the public register to support consumers to make more informed choices - allowing licences that are not renewed in a timely manner to be subject to a grace period, in which

the LBP may renew the licence, and that this period will be specified in the LBP Rules - making it so a licence that is cancelled or suspended for a disciplinary order will stay recorded on the public register for three years - allowing the Board to take disciplinary action against LBPs who undertake restricted building work during the grace period. Amend the complaints and disciplinary process in the Building Act to align with the Electricity Act 1992 to address issues around natural justice and fairness, by: - separating the investigative and adjudicative functions in the complaints and disciplinary model by using independent investigators to undertake investigations, in order to clarify and strengthen the Board’s role as an impartial decision maker - granting the investigator powers to obtain and execute a warrant to enter land or premises for the pur-

poses of investigating a complaint - granting the investigator powers to require a person provide any document or information that may be required, where necessary for the purposes of investigating a complaint, by written notice - allowing the Board to hold parts of meetings or hearings in private where it is appropriate due to the nature of the evidence - allowing the Board to amend an order of the Board where an administrative error has been made - allowing the Board to suspend an LBP’s licence should they fail to comply with a training order - allowing the Board to take disciplinary action against LBPs for carrying out or supervising building work without a building consent when one is required - making it an offence to not comply with a notice to supply the required document or information - improving the triaging powers of the LBP Registrar.

propertyandbuild.com 41

June - July 2021

Why accessible design will create long-term value Australia will include minimum accessibility standards in the 2022 National Construction Code, The Urban Developer reports, but should New Zealand follow suit?

DESIGN

n 30 April, Australia’s building ministers agreed to include minimum accessibility standards in the 2022 National Construction Code. This decision reflects how housing needs to be more flexible to meet the changing needs of an aging population during the next decades. Within 40 years, the number of Australians with a mobility limitation is estimated to almost double from 3 million to nearly 6 million. The recent challenges ex-

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perienced by the aged care sector during the Covid-19 pandemic highlights the importance of enabling people to “age in place” and remain in their own home for as long as possible. Some simple changes to all new builds will result in a vast improvement in accessibility and future-proof homes. Providing at least one step-free entry to homes, widening internal doorways and making the size of showers more generous are additions that are easy to incorporate at the design stage of new builds.

These changes also create long-term value that outweighs the short-term cost. Including these features will provide benefits to all residents when they use a pram, replace whitegoods, recover from surgery or a sporting injury, and as they age or host extended family and friends in their home. Is regulation necessary? Creating industry change is difficult. Thirty years ago, policy makers could not understand why anyone needed kerb cuts in footpaths. We need to reflect back on

history and apply the “Curb Cut Effect” to new residential housing in Australia. “Curb cuts” were an innovation initially implemented specifically for people with disability, but now our entire population benefits from these ramps, whether they be parents with prams, travellers wheeling suitcases, or couriers delivering heavy goods. Robert Pradolin, director of Housing All Australians and former general manager of Frasers Property Australia, argues that when it comes to accessible design, we all have an obligation to think long-term. “The industry needs to play its part and the governments need to play their parts in ensuring that what we build is actually something that’s in the long-term interest of our country,” he says. As these studies indicate, including accessible features during the design phase of new builds is the best way to ensure cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, targeted exemptions to standards could mitigate issues arising in the minority of homes with site-specific challenges, including complex topography or smaller blocks. Including accessible design features into the code is not a big ask. The fact that some of Australia’s volume home builders are already incorporating some features as standard suggests that a broader introduction would not be a big step. Australia’s building industry initially argued for a voluntary code of practice more than a decade ago with the commitment that all new housing would be accessible by 2020. This approach has failed.

Tony Venier, construction manager at 2Construct, believes that voluntary guidelines are ineffective. Using sporting codes such as the AFL as an example, Venier says that if a rule is voluntary, “people will get around it,” but once a rule becomes mandatory, players will quickly adapt their strategies and learn to work with it. Venier says he had faith in the capacity of the building sector to adapt, innovate and find practical and cost effective solutions. Similar to trends related to sustainability, regulation is likely to reduce the cost of some products associated with accessibility. For example, sustainable options such as LED lights were a specialist feature in homes and expensive when they first became available. Regulation has seen a substantial reduction in the cost of LED lighting. A new generation of retirees Pradolin says that as we get older and live longer, we’ll need houses that are different. In the long-term we must be investing in proper, well-equipped and well-designed houses. As baby boomers enter retirement, Cam Ansell from Ansell Strategic says they will reshape the retirement living sector. They will not accept rationed care and would spend their money on building a retirement lifestyle they wanted. Paul Browne’s LDK Healthcare is one developer leading the evolution of the industry with a “one-move-guarantee” that is making waves in the retiree space. “We use a model that is independent living through to the end of life,” Browne says. Furthermore, developers

are already aware of the reputational benefits of building flexible, generous, and stylish dwellings. For example, Metricon’s EveryOne division specifically focuses on delivering “social, affordable, and accessible housing” for clients. Long-term advantages outweigh short-term costs Accessible design features are often perceived as being too expensive and difficult to include in new homes, or catering to a niche market. However, two new studies contribute important evidence that supports the inclusion of minimum accessibility standards in the code: an audit of the most popular homes being built by volume builders in Australia, and secondly, a survey of access consultants and architects. These studies indicate that many accessible features are already being incorporated in new homes, and that the expense and difficulty of including many features in homes are low and virtually cost neutral. For some, accessibility evokes images of institutional or public toilet-style design and clumsy retrofitting of existing homes. However, the audit of accessible features in new build house plans demonstrates that accessible design features are already being incorporated into aesthetic modern Australian homes. Conducted by the Summer Foundation and the University of Melbourne, the study examined 20 of the most popular house designs from Australia’s biggest home builders. The study audited display homes against the accessibility features currently under consideration by the

ABCB, and found that all 20 of the display homes complied with at least seven of 15 accessible design features. However, these features were not consistently incorporated into new homes in a way that made them usable by people with mobility limitations. For example a home might have a wide front door but with internal door widths that prohibit the use of a walking frame or wheelchair. This study suggests that incorporating sensible accessible features into the code for all new dwellings is not a significant impost on volume builders of residential housing. In part, compliance with some gold or platinum level features most likely reflects the fact that the dwellings assessed were suburban, detached family houses, which in Australia are among the largest in the world. While caution should be used in assuming similar levels of compliance in inner-city townhouses or apartments, the vast majority of new homes in Austra-

lia are built by volume home builders in new and existing suburbs. A recent study about Incorporating Minimum Accessible Standards in New Housing found that a design-led approach to incorporating minimal accessible features has the potential to include accessible elements with minimal extra cost or loss of amenity. The Summer Foundation and La Trobe University completed a survey to establish how expensive and hard it would be to include accessible features in new homes. Twenty-four access consultants and architects with expert knowledge of accessible design were asked to rate the relative cost and difficulty of incorporating 28 accessible features into new houses, apartments, and townhouses. Survey respondents rated nearly half of the features as being both “virtually cost neutral” and “not difficult at all” to include across all types of new housing. Many accessible features are common-sense design features that are already usual industry practice. propertyandbuild.com 43

DESIGN

June - July 2021

Let science lead the way Forestry Minister Stuart Nash is well qualified to advance the cause for wood but 20 years in the sector does not qualify him to close one eye when it comes to complementary options, says publisher Mike Bishara

MATERIALS

Scion Innovation Hub - Rotorua

Practical visions for the future – a case for steel The Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) maintains that design should dictate material, advocating for the right material based on design that has been tested, consented and peer-reviewed where appropriate. Chief executive Troy Coyle says these decisions should not be dictated by government or industry bodies but by architects and engineers – “those at the coalface who are walking the line of design, performance, and seismic, sustainability and other standards every day. Some of the conversation suggests that a ‘wood first’ policy would help New Zealand do better against emissions targets. In fact, both the steel and concrete industries are aggressively decarbonising while delivering resilient buildings. While both materials have significant embodied carbon footprints, their life cycle carbon emissions improve due to their resilience, ability to enable lower operational carbon emissions, and in the case of steel, its infinite recyclability. Further, steel offers extremely long lifetimes, which means that the carbon is amortised over a longer period. 44 propertyandbuild.com

If our goal is to meet our emission targets, move to a low carbon economy and a circular economy, we need to stop focusing on embodied carbon and focus on lifecycle carbon. Steel is surprisingly low-carbon over its lives, is 100 percent recyclable and can be infinitely recycled without loss of quality. In New Zealand, 72 percent of steel is currently recycled. Lower-value steel scrap can be converted into high-value steels by using appropriate processing and metallurgy, and there are emerging technologies (locally and internationally) that have the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of both materials. The New Zealand steel industry also strongly delivers to the Living Standards Framework. As for HERA’s own work, we are launching a zero carbon, steel-offsetting programme, which will also include steel reinforcing used in concrete; and a carbon emissions calculator, independently developed and based on verifiable data, which allows companies to offset embodied carbon emissions and offer zero-carbon steel. We hope that this will refocus the

conversation away from embodied carbon comparisons and more to what matters – net carbon emissions of the life of a building or structure. While wood is absolutely right for many jobs and applications, mandating its use for all projects could create economic and other problems. Yes, our future buildings must have a low-carbon footprint, but it is just as essential that they are resilient to our changing climate, and steel and concrete offer resilient buildings. Steel and concrete are essential for supporting high-value jobs, community investment and economic growth. In fact, MBIE’s own Manufacturing Report shows that there are 30 percent more jobs in metals manufacturing than there are in wood and paper processing, and that the bulk of the growth is regional. Based on this and other economic factors, Minister Nash’s expressed concerns about supporting regional development, national employment, sustainability and emissions reductions goals are more achievable with a practical, combined approach than with one which prioritises a single material.

ew would argue with the necessity of moving New Zealand to a climate-resilient, low-emission and circular economy while building resilience in our supply chain and maintaining manufacturing levels. But this is not an either/ or scenario or a zero-sum game says the Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA). “Any suggestion that New Zealand construction and infrastructure has to choose between wood, steel and concrete would be akin to choosing between land, water and air, says HERA’s chief executive Dr Troy Coyle. “We need all elements to survive and create the best outcomes for communities and the economy. If we allow our development programmes to be led by design and data, we will succeed, but if politics, money or special interests overtake science and evi-

dence, collective failure lies ahead.” There is no doubt that forestry will be a key part of our climate change response. “In areas like biofuels, forestry can support our move away from fossil fuels. Innovative building products made from local wood will replace products such as concrete and steel,” Nash says. Coyle suggests that we do not rush headlong into single material choices that are not grounded in good science. “Rather, we need the research and evidence to guide decision-making and the journey to a circular, low-emission economy. “New Zealand needs a mix of materials: concrete relies on steel; light timber and steel-framed houses sit on concrete floors; mass timber structures rely on steel and concrete cores and foundations. “Materials are comple-

mentary, not competitive – together, we can enable a wider range of sustainable choices.” And there, Nash is on somewhat safer ground and despite political rhetoric, real progress is being made in the forestry field by Scion, a world leading research crown entity. “The future for forestry is not only bright from an economic perspective, it holds the key to a more sustainable future,” Nash says in his vision for Future of Forestry Booklet. Scion is combining science and forestry to effect truly innovative and practical change. From mixing plastics in with wood for strength levels the equivalent of steel, its current work on bio-coal from renewable resources is truly ground-breaking. It has the potential to remove the greenhouse gas equivalent of up to 20 percent of light vehicles from our roads.

The largest source of biomass for biofuels in New Zealand comes directly or indirectly from forestry. In cases like Red Stag Timber, wood waste is used to generate electricity and heat to kiln dry timber, with any excess power being fed into the national grid. Forestry and mill residues could fuel boilers in other industries, but their low bulk density, high moisture content and low energy content in comparison to coal means in many cases they cannot directly replace coal in existing boilers. However, heat and pressure can transform wood waste into high energy, high density bio-coal. The process of heating biomass to temperatures of up to 300°C in the absence of oxygen is called torrefaction. When woody biomass is torrefied, bound water is removed, which increases the energy density, and makes it less likely to reabsorb water. The wood cell walls are also weakened, making it easier to compress the torrefied wood into dense pellets or briquettes. Scion researchers are optimising the torrefaction and densification of woody biomass to produce solid biofuels that are durable, moisture resistant and have an energy density close to that of sub-bituminous coal (20 to 21 GJ per tonne and 17 GJ per cubic metre). The investment needed is large but necessary to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and help rejuvenate regional economic and employment growth as we head to a more sustainable future. And that’s where you come in Mr Nash. propertyandbuild.com 45

MATERIALS

June - July 2021

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The Lesson - Be Susan. Don’t be Peter.

Peter approaches the training room and sees expectant faces look his way through the glass. Legs jiggle. Eyes dart around the room. Some of the trainees sit with slumped shoulders. Everyone knows the next several hours are going to be tedious. “I have to resist the urge to groan outwardly on these days,” Peter tells us. It’s Monday, the busiest day of the week on-site for Peter and his team, and this Monday, they’ve got the added pressure of a site safety induction to get through. Peter acknowledges that these sessions are important. “Crucial really,” says Peter. “But they’re also boring for everyone involved. They take far too long and there’s too much paperwork and I wonder how much of it they retain as they listen to me drone on and on for hours.” Not as much as they should, Peter admits to us, explaining that costly mistakes still happen. Accidents still happen. “There’s just too much down time with the whole process,” says Peter. Contrast Peter’s experience with Susan’s. Susan has a busy day ahead of her

too and a site to keep running. But she’s not concerned about her safety induction session. She’ll spend 30 minutes outlining how the site induction will be done and showing them how to use their Virtual Training Experience equipment. “They’ll work through the induction modules on their own – experiencing simulated working conditions as they do,” says Susan. Virtual Reality Training does an excellent job of simulating the work environment and Susan’s noticed a sharp increase in the retention of knowledge since the company started inducting people to the site this way. “I’ll pop in and out during the hours it will take them to complete the induction to check on their progress and then have lunch delivered so we can go over their results and any questions they have together,” explains Susan. But the Virtual Reality Experience will also show the inductees where they went wrong as they complete the simulated exercises. Susan says she’ll have the new recruits prepared for working on site in no time and, she says, “I’m confident they’ll be doing so safely.”

JUNE - JULY 2021

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he programme gives employees access to 60 micro-learning courses, each designed to help them upskill in a specific area. The courses are bite-sized education opportunities, designed to cut through the jargon and focus on specific industry and workplace skills. Recently promoted Project Manager, Tom Quin, who joined the team in 2014, has completed 31 micro-learning modules, or ‘competencies’, since 2017. He credits the consistency across teams at Southbase Construction to their commitment to professional development. “I could go and work on a job in Auckland, Queenstown, or Christchurch and pick up where the last project manager has left off,” says Quin. “Everything is done the same, so we’re all on the same page, heading in the same direction, working towards the same goal.” Since introducing their highly structured approach to professional development, Southbase Construction has supported, tracked, and celebrated the achievements of hundreds of employees. “Our employees are learning and bettering themselves, and we’re able to deliver consistency and a high-quality service to our clients,” says Southbase Construction’s People and Compliance Manager, Carena Parish.

52 safetynews.co.nz

Is standardised training the way forward? Southbase Construction introduced a forward-thinking professional development programme in 2017 to support consistency across teams and career progression eCampus NZ, who support the online learning for several Te Pūkenga subsidiaries, has worked with the company to help them design and award digital badges to recognise their team’s achievements. A digital badge is a visual, online image of a skill or competency earned. These online certifications can be stored in an online profile, allowing learners to instantly share their achievements with employers, colleagues, whānau, friends and professional networks. The launch of the digital badging has attracted interest from health and safety regulators in New Zealand, who have connected with Southbase Construction on LinkedIn to learn more about their innovative approach to upskilling their workforce. Members of the Southbase Construction team who have been awarded a digital badge have enjoyed sharing their achievements online.

“The badges prove that we know about health and safety in the construction industry,” says Quin. Southbase Construction has now rolled out thirteen digital badges to reward employees for upskilling in a range of areas, from Health and Safety to IT. Daniel Foster, who was recently promoted from Site Engineer to Project Manager, believes that his career progression at Southbase

Construction is directly linked to the professional development opportunities they offer. “One of the keys to keeping your employees is giving them a professional growth path," he says. "At Southbase, there’s a huge emphasis on helping us to understand what the next stage of our career may look like, and they’re very proactive at enabling us to get there."

Breathe easy with the CleanAIR Asbestos PAPR Kit Working with hazardous dusts such as silica or asbestos is difficult and potentially dangerous - the correct respiratory protection is critical

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the asbestos industry need to tick a lot of boxes. They must be hardwearing and durable to stand up to the rigors of demolition. Powered air is preferable on longer shifts to take the effort out of breathing. Filters and parts need to be readily available and easily cleaned and maintained. Units must be able to be decontaminated in a shower without fear of malfunc-

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To see the latest in respiratory protection for the asbestos industry click here Dalton International Ltd. 0800 323 223 enquiries@dilnz.co.nz changing. A durable rubber hose connects to the GX02 silicone face mask offering a comfortable and secure fit in three sizes, small, medium, and large. At just over 1kg in weight, the CleanAIR® PAPR is one of the lightest and most advanced respiratory systems on the market today. The kit comes complete with a pair of P3 filters, 20 pre-filters, 2 pre-filter holders and a set of decontamination plugs that allow the unit to be fully submerged for a deep clean, all packed inside a handy duffle bag.

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PPE

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June - July 2021

TRAINING

hampioning the shift away from traditional learning environments towards a digitised, real-time knowledge exchange is Brisbane-based tech company HINDSITE Industries. Their knowledge management platform—delivered via wearable, speech-driven technologies—enables users to participate in live remote mentoring and access transferrable micro-learnings. HINDSITE founder and chief executive Doug Hastings says the inspiration behind the idea, to be able to insert knowledge at the right time and for the right reason, was inspired after seeing the film The Matrix more than two decades ago. “Fast forward to a number of years later, I was working on site at Snowy Hydro and I saw first-hand the difficulties and inefficiencies between engineers trying to discuss—at distance and through two-way radios— complex and critical issues. “Those trying conversations would normally result in a physical call-out to site in order to assist and upskill others, at great expense and timelines to those overseeing operations. “After years of refinement, experiments with different hardware providers and crucial firmware updates, that two-decade-old initial idea is now a commercialised reality. “Our platform can now capture intrinsic tribal knowledge, preserve biometric data of hands-on skills and enable new starters or that next generation of worker to be on the job working faster, smarter and safer.” In order to deliver HINDSITE’s remote mentoring platform, the company 54 safetynews.co.nz

The future of on-site training Cloud computing and the adoption of wearable devices is opening up new possibilities in the way education is handed down on construction sites

has partnered with smart eyewear provider RealWear to record and capture data as well as initiating SWIS calling. “RealWear’s Rugged Eyes headset has taken our software offering to another level,” Hastings says. “Its tough hands-free headset is shockproof, and designed to handle water and dust, while offering wearers intrinsic safety.” “For those on site, the hardware is incredibly intuitive and can be picked up and fully operational within five to 10 minutes.” HINDSITE has also become a certified Google partner, in order to offer the ‘best-in-market’ Google Glass headset to its users, delivering a more tactical, non-ruggedised option. Hindsite Google Glass

RealWear Wearable Technology Brisbane “We have seen immediate value from the use of our product for large scale, heavy asset owners, looking for one solution that offers audit-ability, governance and the centralisation of all future training,” Hastings says. “Since the onset of Covid-19 new users have begun to utilise the full breadth of the product offering, onboarding and digitising standard operating procedure and in turn standardising practice and working conditions across their business.” The company recently added IT manufacturing specialist Redflex Traffic Systems to its growing client list. The Melbourne-based

company has rolled out HINDSITE across its operations in the US and UK in order to manage its vast network of traffic cameras. HINDSITE is also now standard practice across a number of state government-led authorities, including Urban Utilities Brisbane and Melbourne Water, using the technology to train staff overseeing water management systems. “We have found immediate and practical benefits using Hindsite’s technology within the construction and development sector,” says Broad Peak Funds Management director, Paul Brown. “The time and cost benefit leverages our business structure to provide efficiency in compliance, record keeping and accountability.”

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June - July 2021

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$320 million towards vocational training. The Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (also known as Free Trades Training) makes apprenticeships and most on-job qualifications provided by Connexis, the infrastructure industry training organisation, free to employers and employees. Free Trades Training is attracting new people into infrastructure and supporting current trainees to complete their qualifications. It also

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TRAINING

Companies can prepare for the boom in infrastructure projects by skilling up their workers with Free Trades Training

June - July 2021

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Over $32 million spent on dog bites since 2015 The number of reported dog bites has increased from over 8,400 in 2014 to a staggering 13,700+ in 2020, The Dog Safe Workplace reports, but say their training has started to see this number drop

TRAINING

very year we commission a report from ACC regarding dog bite statistics. It is classified by age, gender, region and industry. Since we started The Dog Safe Workplace we have seen an increase from over 8,400 reported bites in 2014 to a staggering 13,700+ in 2020. Though we are still saddened to see over 13,000 bites, because of training and education we are starting to see a gradual reduction in dog bites. Our highest recorded year was 2017 with over 14,500 reported bites. With Covid-19, lockdown and the inability for people to move around, we expected to see a large decrease in dog bites, especially in industry. Unfortunately that was not the case. Many industries saw a leap in the number of reported bites that their workers experienced. • The food delivery industry reported a massive increase of 325%. • Postal services went up by 30% • Courier pickup and delivery services by 16%. Why? According to studies done in the United Kingdom by Dogs Trust UK and the Paediatric Journal of Medicine, there had been a serious change in dog behaviour. This included an increase in attention demanding behaviour. Dogs that are normally friendly 56 safetynews.co.nz

are moving away when approached, an increase in barking and sadly a 400% increase in dog bites. A delivery person told us that because the dog owners were home, he expected their behaviour would improve or that they would be safer because the owner knows their dog's behaviour. This is not the case. Dogs can become more protective if family members are around and many owners don’t understand what their dog is saying.

We have read many media articles where the owner has said “don’t worry he won’t bite” only for the dog to have already bitten. One postie in NSW Australia said that she thought the dog was running to greet her because its tail was wagging. After a trip to A&E, she now knows this is not true. Our advice to anyone entering a property where dogs may be present is to be aware of canine body language. Look at the whole body of the dog not

just the tail. Remember just because his tail is wagging does not mean he is happy to see you. A few facts • Dog bites cost New Zealanders over $5.6 million in 2020 • Since 2015 we have spent a shocking $32 million on dog related incidents • Women receive more bites than men • 25-29 year olds received the most bites

If you would like any more information or you would like to discuss your options please contact us on: jo@dogsafeworkplace.com 0508 DOG SAFE +64 27 737244

June - July 2021

The Dog Safe

Workplace Ltd Do your staff encounter dogs while working? The Dog Safe Workplace works with companies to reduce the risk of dog incidents when their workers have to enter onto properties where dogs may be present.

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• Warning signs both obvious and subtle • Increased agitation • Pre-entrance signs of dog activity •R ecognising a potentially dangerous situation • The do’s and do not’s of interaction •H ow to remove themselves in the safest manner If you would like further information please call or email us - the details for your nearest office are below.

Offices: Joanna Clough Auckland, New Zealand NZ only: 0508 DOG SAFE Mobile: +64 274 737 244 Email: jo @ dogsafeworkplace.com

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Melissa Hague Port St. Lucie, Florida, US US: + 001-772-800-8082 Email: melissa @ dogsafeworkplace.com safetynews.co.nz 57

June - July 2021

The great unlearning Safety News and AsiaPacific Infrastucture publisher Mike Bishara accepts an invitation from Optimum Training to join a four-hour safety training session

TRAINING

harboured a fervent hope that 25 years of development and refinement of Wayne Milicich’s injury prevention model might contain a few surprises. The prospect of four hours in what I suspected could be a moralising lecture about how to lift a box was not enthralling. I could see, as we shuffled into the training centre, that the rest of the class felt the same, with a range of resigned, bored and cynical faces. We were wrong. Boy, were we wrong. Participants soon learned “it was all about them” and their individual quality of life. And how 30 seconds after the training would break the harmful muscle memory that had taken over the way we did things. “The programme is about unlearning what we learned between the ages of about eight to 13 years old and restoring all the movement patterns that we learned naturally during the first five to eight years of our life,” says Milicich. For example, children all demonstrate best balance, unlike most adults. About 80 percent of the adult population “half breathe” from the apical area of the lungs as opposed to the diaphragm and lower lobes of the lungs, according to Milicich. “Children all naturally breathe from their belly, diaphragm, unless they are stressed.” The most hardened cynics in our group quickly became engaged in the programme through a series of 58 safetynews.co.nz

Click here for more information

Optimum Training manager Dwane Stewart with an eager team of learners practical truths, illustrated by a range of interactions, sometimes with a workmate. We emerged half a working day later wondering who to sue for the preventable harm I have inflicted by following instructions. Life quality did not require lifetime dedication, just a reordering of basic instincts and tossing out a few myths. For our group, the quality of life had become anchored forever around balance and the 70/30 weight split between heels and toes. We were converts to breathing out like weightlifters, sticking out our butts and letting tummies and abdominals do their thing - we discarded posture misinformation and stress and replaced it with comfort, a safe and secure back and no pain. Optimum’s programme is of suggested solutions, not imperatives. “When we do this training, it is to benefit the individual. The company

clips the ticket and gets a benefit only when the individual benefits.” “You cannot stand on a platform and tell people they are wrong. When a person’s belief is challenged, they will do anything to defend that truth as it is what they believe and know and have lived by. The only way to expose the false belief is to lead someone to find the truth for themselves. In most cases following instilled poor habits is akin to

tapping yourself lightly on the head with a hammer for years. Do it enough times and you will end up permanently damaged. You cannot separate work safety and whanau safety – they are two sides of the same coin, according to Milicich. Health and safety at home and work are just a component of our life quality. Not something that is separated out with its own rules to be applied at specific times and locations. To a person, we emerged

70/30 balance is at the core of a quality of life

ready to retrain our misguided muscle memory with the 30-secondsa-day-worth of drills to reprogramme our muscle memory that had taken us just four hours to master. “The training empowers people to work out the truth for themselves and trust themselves. You are the only person who can determine what works best for you. Trust yourself to make a good call,” says Milicich. With no pen, paper or tables in the room, this programme is “pure adult facilitation of kinesthetic learning followed by cognitive understanding. It is simple to restore what was once in the muscle memory when we were five to eight years old. The original neural pathways just open up again,” he says. We learned and now retain what we learned. “Stress is recognized as a major cause of MSD and auto-immune disease. We help people understand how their body manifests stress and equip them with the understanding and tools to manage themselves during stressful times,” says Milicich. Optimum’s facilitation process has four specific steps. When applied correctly to the session, most often the learner has no idea of what

has happened, but they do recognise that their life has changed for the better. Our session began with participation exercises which showed the overriding importance of balance. The 70/30 rationale was enough to consign to the bin, along with a flurry of other medical myths, the long-held and totally wrong “bend your knees and keep your back straight” doctrine. It soon became apparent why Optimum’s quality of life programme is used by many of the country’s most astute corporations in an age where time “off the floor” is critical to the bottom line and many companies look only to tick the boxes of compliance. The benefits are equally cost effective, available and absorbed by SMEs. My class had only nine other participants so having a cast of thousands is not essential – or even recommended. “Move Smart Think Smart is about addressing the underlying causes of muscle and joint pain that occur as we interact with inert objects both at work and at home. Home injuries affect the workplace. Workplace injuries affect the home and family,” says Milicich. “Either way the quality

of life of a person is compromised. The traditional medical model calls the problem ‘nonspecific back pain and occupational overuse’. In fact, the pain is about inadvertent personal misuse of the body -- it is very specific.” The bio-medical model reckons back pain is normal. “No, it is not normal,” says Milicich. “It is common, and the medical model is unwittingly part of the problem. “Good posture” is nothing more than an old wives’ tale based on the military model of control and it is still believed today. A teacher tells children to sit up straight as a means of controlling the class. It is now portrayed as good posture. “The medical field is littered with information and advice that was eventually proven wrong and retracted. Some of our western cultural beliefs are based in nothing more than decades or centuries old beliefs and mores. The sad thing is that more than 80 percent of MSD's are inadvertently and unwittingly self-inflicted. People hurt themselves as they interact with inert objects, and they don't even realise it, says Milicich. “The only way a box can hurt someone is if it is flying

through the air and strikes them. Or if it is moving on a conveyor and they put their hand where they should not. A spade and the ground are both inert. To suffer pain while digging a hole is the person hurting themselves as they interact with the spade and ground. The pain is a direct result of poor skills and technique of movement -- self-inflicted pain. Most people blame something or someone for this self-inflicted injury. At that point, only the symptom can be addressed with drugs and therapy. The problem returns as they repeat their old thinking and poor technique once the symptom has eased. “No one deliberately hurts themselves. Given the opportunity, everyone makes the right choice,” says Milicich. To a person, everyone was engaged for the full duration of training, always relevant, interesting, practical and beneficial to each person. We felt equipped and empowered to take back responsibility for ourselves. I personally still muse over and apply the learnings. My years of knee pain has gone.

30-second daily drills to re-programme muscle memory

Wayne Milicich 07 8583040 027 291 1829 www.otl.nz Representatives NZ wide safetynews.co.nz 59

TRAINING

June - July 2021

Changing mindsets about chronic conditions

HEALTH

As the working population ages, more workers are likely to have a chronic health condition and too often these conditions lead to an early exit from work

An ideal workplace The ultimate goal is to create a workplace that: • recognises the importance of work-related MSDs and reduces risks, in particular for workers who may already have a musculoskeletal problem • takes preventive action — assessing and reducing risks to make sure the workplace is safe and designed to promote good musculoskeletal health • takes action to reduce stress at work • encourages early intervention for any musculoskeletal problem • makes reasonable adjustments and supports individuals to manage their own health so that people can continue to work despite their condition • supports a worker who is absent because of a chronic condition to get back to work through effective planning • promotes musculoskeletal health, for example encourages back care and physical activity, tackles prolonged sedentary work and enables workers to take short breaks, and supports workers to lead healthier lifestyles.

To achieve this, a workplace should: • minimise risks and recognise that employees with RMDs may be more susceptible • avoid tasks involving prolonged static postures, sedentary behaviour or repetitive movements • ensure that workers avoid risks by following safe techniques and safe practices, using the right equipment and not taking shortcuts • plan workplace accommodations by focusing on an individual’s work ability (an individual’s capabilities not their disabilities) • take a joined-up approach that involves the employee, their healthcare team and their line manager, with the common goal of helping them to stay at work and work within their abilities • promote a culture of open conversation • train managers and workers to understand musculoskeletal health, RMDs and ways of supporting colleagues to remain in work.

ith the right employer, attitudes and workplace adjustments, combined with support from the public-health system, many people with chronic conditions can continue working. The latest report from the European Agency for Safety & Health At Work says rheumatic and occupational safety and health has a role in supporting those with chronic conditions to remain at work. Many adjustments are easy and cheap to implement. Health and safety measures that make work safer and easier for the entire workforce can enable an individual with reduced work capacity to remain in employment. Simple measures to help an individual remain in work can often benefit the whole workforce. What are rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders Rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders (RMDs) are chronic problems that affect the muscles, bones,

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June - July 2021

joints and soft tissues, such measures to make work as rheumatism, arthritis, safer and healthier for all osteoporosis and fibromyworkers. algia. This is important, as meaThey can affect work, or sures to make work easier Workers need to be given opportunities to find ways be aggravated by work, but for all workers could enable of working around their problems and to try things are not directly caused by someone with a chronic out on a trial-and-error basis, with enough time being work. health condition to continue allowed for this. Their causes include working. inflammatory diseases, ageParticularly sensitive Changing duties and tasks: ing, injuries, and congenital groups, such as workers • finding alternative ways of doing tasks and developmental condiwith chronic conditions, • swapping or rotating tasks with colleagues tions. must be protected against • taking regular short breaks If the precise cause of hazards that specifically Healthy • reducing or avoiding activities that are difficult Workplaces musculoskeletal pain is affect them. or that worsen symptoms (use of stairs, prolonged unclear, it isLIGHTEN described asTHE LOAD However, making workstanding or sitting, and repetitive activities) shoulder pain, back pain, places more inclusive for • pacing work to prevent fatigue, avoiding last minute etc. Conditions caused or all workers, for example deadlines Healthy aggravated by work are when buying equipment, Workplaces referred to as work-related planning tasks or altering Equipment and workplace adaptations: LIGHTEN THE LOAD musculoskeletal disorders buildings, reduces the need • adapting computer equipment, for example using (MSDs). to make adjustments for an ergonomic mouse, an ergonomic keyboard or individuals. Regulations voice-activated software Workers with rheumatic setting minimum health • providing a portable perching stool to avoid the and musculoskeletal and safety standards for need for prolonged standing disorders workplaces include require• improving workplace accessibility, for example with handrails, door handles, automatic doors As the average age of the ments to make workplaces • repositioning workplace equipment and furniture to workforce and retirement accessible for workers with A positive attitude Early access and disabilities. Assess ages increase, the number and goodreduce strain to advice reduce risks • using adaptive controls for driving communication of workers with a chronic • wearing comfortable footwear health condition will also Cause and effect increase, which increases The impact of RMDs Altering working hours: A positive the need for employers to cause pain affecting the and for example starting and Assess • flexible or reduced hours, and good retain workers. arms,Early legs, neck or back Simple adjustments risks reduce finishing later to avoid rush-hour travel or if sympcommuni However, too many people — theintervention pain is not always sein the workplace toms are worse in the morning exit work early because of vere but is often persistent, • working from home, at least on some days a chronic health condition nagging and wearing. • flexible working and teleworking arrangements for when a few simple adaptaIt may vary, often unall workers Early tion and support measures predictably. The pain can intervention could allow them to contin- make repetitive movements Providing support: ue working. difficult. • occasional time off for medical appointments (havEquality legislation in RMDs often cause stiffing a flexible working policy facilitates this) Europe requires employness, with those suffer• opportunities for training and to change roles ers to provide reasonable ing taking a while to get • somewhere move and stretch Changes to job Equipmenttoand accommodation employ- moving. •workplace a car parking space close to the work entrance duties and to tasks adaptation ees with disabilities, such Sleep can be disturbed, • a change in office location to avoid stairs or walking as providing equipment, which can make it more adapting hours of work, difficult to ignore the pain. changing tasks or providing People Working can become tired patterns Changes to job Support e.g. flexible working hours training. and fatigued particularly duties and tasks w Some countries have more with an inflammatory disdetailed requirements, inease or if sleep is disturbed. cluding regarding return to Being stressed, anxious or Working patterns work following sick leave. depressed because of the e.g. flexible working hours Eliminate risks at source pain or for other reasons Health and safety regulaalso makes it harder to tions require employers to ignore the pain. prevent risks, based on risk People with an RMD often assessments. The prioriworry about the future, in ty is to eliminate risks at relation to whether their source and take collective limitations will worsen, or

Simple adjustments in the workplace

HEALTH

Working with musculoskeletal disorders Worki muscu How can people who develop an MSD be helped

How c develo

Adjustments in the workplace

Adjustments in the

Workers don’t have to be 100% fit to work

safetynews.co.nz 61 The 2020-22 campaign, Healthy Workplaces

June - July 2021 they will lose their job. Some conditions are characterised by flareups, so the worker will have good and bad days. However, people do not have to be 100 percent fit to work, and those with chronic RMDs can learn to work around their problems. With the right adjustments, they can usually continue to work.

HEALTH

What employers can do Most workers with an RMD are able to continue working in some form, provided some allowance is made for their symptoms and there is flexibility so that ways of overcoming the challenges posed can be found. Continuing to work within their ability will not worsen their condition. In general, being in work is good for mental and physical health. Such workers often are productive and try to avoid missing work. The gain for

the employer is the retention of experienced, skilled workers. Early intervention and access to advice The earlier a problem is reported, the easier it is to deal with. An employer cannot take action if they are not aware of the problem. This means encouraging and enabling employees to disclose health problems as soon as they arise, assuring them that they will be listened to and supported. If someone has a persistent musculoskeletal problem that affects their work, they should be encouraged to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Medical advice, if shared with permission, should help the employer to understand what support the worker needs. Open conversations A worker’s needs will be-

Why we need to sit less and move more Sedentary behaviour is increasing both at work and outside work, and there is mounting evidence for the ill health effects of sedentary lifestyles. Health risks include diabetes and heart and vascular diseases, as well as musculoskeletal problems. Sedentary lifestyles have also been linked to depression and some cancers. The health effects occur because our bodies need movement to get our blood pumping and oxygen circulating around our bodies. Maintaining the same posture places higher loads on the muscles and tendons than changing postures. Anyone with a chronic musculoskeletal condition should not sit for too long and avoiding static postures is part of making work sustainable. When sitting, an upright posture places less strain on the spinal

62 safetynews.co.nz

discs, but it is not good to maintain this posture for an extended period. Dynamic sitting, where sitting postures are continuously altered, is preferable. Being more active while working may also improve job performance and enhance job satisfaction. While prolonged sitting is not specifically covered by any safety and health regulations, employers have general duties to assess risks and adapt work to the individual. Recommendations: • Do not exceed five hours of sitting at work each day • Take microbreaks at least every 20-30 minutes • Always get up for at least 10 minutes after two hours of sitting • Work in an active manner and alternate between sitting, standing and walking Check out prolonged static sitting

A positive attitude Junebe - JulyEarly develop an MSD helpe acce and good

Assess and reduce risks

Getting advice and support Advice available from public services and health disability organisations can be helpful in finding solutions. Some countries have return-to-work support schemes and work accident insurance services that offer advice, support

with return-to-work plans Assess and and grants for workplace reduce risks adaptations. The worker’s healthcare team should give advice on what tasks are appropriate and what should be avoided. Temporary adjustments Some adjustments may be needed only temporarily. After adjustments are made, Changes job they should be to reviewed duties and tasks with the worker and whether any further adjustments are needed, discussed. Changes to job Needsduties should betasks reand assessed if conditions change, which make new aspects of work difficult. Support following MSD-related absence should include a return-towork plan. A gradual return to work and a temporary reduction in hours can be helpful, following long-term sickness absence.

A positive attitude

and good fantastic Work has been

communication Simple adjustments Early intervention in the workplace A worker with degenerative osteoarthritis of the spine resulting in two knee replacements now has her own workstation, adapted to her needs. Early Simple adjustments Working flexi-hours means not havinginto drive in intervention the workplace rush hour traffic. She is fully supported by all her colleagues.

Adjustments in the workplace

All info sheets and other campaign materials are available to download from EU-OSHA’s Healthy Equipment and Workplaces Campaign website workplace adaptation

Adjustments in the workplace Working patterns e.g. flexible working hours

With the right support and adjustments many workers with chronic conditions can continue to work

Safety and health is everyone´s concern. It´s good for you. It´s good for business.

Suppo

Supp

e.g. flexible working hours

With the right support and adjustments many workers with chronic conditions continue work Workers don’t have to can be 100% fit totowork

Safety industry pioneer Safety Nets NZ has developed national standards in association with WorkSafe NZ, ensuring risk from falls is minimised for your construction workforce.

Equipment and workplace adaptation

Working patterns

Workers don’t have to be 100% fit to work

Safety and health is everyone´s concern. It´s good for you. It´s good for business.

Early acc to advice

HEALTH

come clearer through good communication. A conversation between an individual and their manager about a health condition could cover the following: • the condition • the symptoms experienced • if the symptoms vary, how they feel on a good/bad day • the effects of medication • what tasks they find challenging and need help with • what support they need or might need to do their job now and in the future

2021to advice

communication

The 2020-22 campaign, Healthy W Lighten the Load, aims to raise awa work-related MSDs and the need to them and to promote a culture of ris The 2020-22 campaign, Healthy W Lighten the Load, aims to raise aw work-related MSDs and the need t them and to promote a culture of ri

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safetynews.co.nz 63

June - July 2021

Worker engagement brings health and safety benefits MANAGEMENT

Involving staff in selecting their own personal protective equipment has paid off for a Christchurch company, which had struggled to get workers to wear the correct gear

hristchurch-based maker of the Woodsman brand of log fires, W.H Harris, sometimes had issues getting staff to wear the correct PPE, says Operations Manager Mark Streeter. “But rather than go down the track of forcing people to wear equipment they didn’t like, we decided to involve them in choosing new PPE themselves,” Streeter says.

64 safetynews.co.nz

To do this, the company engaged Sue MacEwan, a HASANZ-registered H&S Professional with consultancy Safe & Sound Solutions. Sue worked with a group of W. H Harris staff to find new eye protection to replace the existing equipment that fogged up and wasn’t comfortable to wear. She got the workers to test a selection of new safety glasses and visors for two

weeks, then to recommend which ones the company should buy. Since the new eye protection arrived there have been no further eye injuries at the company’s Christchurch factory, Sue says. “It doesn’t fog up and it’s comfortable, so people wear it and their eyes are protected.” Joseph Mercado, one of W.H Harris’ assemblers, says he and his workmates

appreciated the opportunity to be involved in selecting the new eyewear. “It was great that we were involved because it meant that the glasses and visors we got really suited our needs,” Mercado says. Streeter says involving staff in health and safety decisions has helped the company improve compliance and improve safety. He’d recommend getting help from a health and safety professional like Sue. “We’ve found that four to six hours a week of focused attention from a consultant has achieved more than we could’ve ever dreamed,” Streeter says. “It’s been very, very cost effective.” There is an ACC subsidy to help SMEs in construction and manufacturing gain access to qualified health and safety professionals through the HASANZ register. See more: www.hasanz.org. nz/acc-subsidies-for-businesses/

June - July 2021

Why a pragmatic approach to health and safety just makes sense You can have the best health and safety policies, but unless staff actually use them, they won’t do much good with a broad range of risks to the safety, health and wellbeing of its staff, from installing signs at great heights to working with hazardous chemicals. Staff also sometimes work under tight deadlines or in stressful situations – like when the company stayed open during last year’s Lockdown 4 to create Covid-19 signage for other essential businesses such as supermarkets. Since SL Safety Consulting came on board, Wilson says Sign Foundry has been able to make some big improvements in health and

safety really quickly. “We now do regular toolbox talks where people can speak up if they’ve seen something unsafe. "We have an incident reporting system that means we can catch issues early and deal with them before they cause bigger problems. “We also do a lot more inspections on our gear, particularly our height and harness equipment.” Another benefit is that Sign Foundry has been able to achieve the highest level of accreditation in the SiteWise scheme – a

prequalification system that grades companies’ health and safety capabilities and is used by many large businesses when they are selecting suppliers. “Previously, we had only managed to get SiteWise Orange accreditation. Moving up to Green accreditation has given us a real competitive advantage when pitching for work,” Wilson says. “But the biggest advantage is knowing staff are safer. I can rest easy at night knowing that everyone will get home safe and sound every day.”

safetynews.co.nz 65

MANAGEMENT

his was the problem facing Steve Wilson, General Manager of Lower Hutt commercial signage company, Sign Foundry. “Our health and safety policies and procedures were all written out, but they used to sit in a cupboard and weren’t being used or followed properly,” he says. “For example, staff weren’t using their personal protective equipment when they went into the manufacturing room, like they were supposed to. That was a big issue for me because their wellbeing is important.” The company sought advice from health and consultant Steve Logan, of SL Safety Consulting, who came up with ideas for making health and safety ‘simple and pragmatic’ by building it into the way people worked. “Steve focused on practical things we can do – like keeping everyone’s PPE in drawers right beside the manufacturing room door, so it’s convenient to put on just before you go in.” Sign Foundry has to deal

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June - July 2021

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Li-ion is an invaluable asset with little regulation Li-ion batteries are most dangerous when their life cycle is over, according to an International Solid Waste Association report

f the batteries are destroyed in the process of collection, disposal or recycling or are unfavourably deformed in such a way that the positive and negative poles touch each other, a thermal runaway reaction can occur, resulting in an uncontrolled exchange of ions and the release of pure oxygen. This self-reinforcing process leads to a fire or ex-

68 safetynews.co.nz

plosion that is very difficult to control by conventional means such as water. The best solution is to cut the air supply and allow the fire to burn in a more or less controlled manner. Today, the danger posed by Li-ion batteries is becoming ever greater, the report says. Until a few years ago, Li-ion batteries were rare in waste management facilities or landfills.

But now, more and more of them are reaching the end of their life cycle and need to be disposed of. Global records and figures are scant. In Germany the number of Li-ion batteries in use tripled between 2009 and 2017 – from 3,300 to 10,000 tonnes – according to the German Federal Environment Agency. To properly assess the scale of the problem, in

October 2020 a sub-group of the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) Working Group on Recycling and Waste Minimisation undertook research to determine the effects of this issue internationally and to see whether there were any good practice suggestions that could be adopted. An open-ended questionnaire distributed to members of both ISWA Recycling and Waste Minimisation and Hazardous Waste Working Groups drew a dozen responses, all but three from Europe. Responses confirmed that Li-ion batteries were perceived as a fire-risk source, but few respondents were able to quantify either the scale of the problem or provide evidence of incidents caused by Li-ion batteries. Assessing the scale of the problem is difficult because few countries keep comprehensive records of fires in collection vehicles or at transfer stations, sorting plants and other waste management facilities There was one recorded incident of a refuse collec-

June - July 2021

Like pretty much all batteries, lithium-ion batteries work by storing energy and releasing it through controlled chemical reactions. A lithium-ion battery has two electrodes -- places where electricity can enter or leave the battery. One electrode, called the anode, is filled with negatively charged ions. The other electrode, called a cathode, contains positively charged ions and lithium. When you use a battery, the lithium moves over from the cathode to the anode -- and when you charge it, the lithium moves back over to the cathode. There’s a separator inside which keeps the anode and the cathode from touching because that can trigger mishaps such as fires and explosions. One of the most common reasons the batteries explode is because of mistakes in the charging process. Inside the devices that rely on the batteries, software tells them exactly how much the batteries should be charged and how fast. If those protocols are set incorrectly, it can destabilise some chemicals inside the battery and cause a chain reaction that researchers call a thermal runaway that may lead to fire or explosions. A voluntary recall of about 2.5

tion vehicle fleet in East Northamptonshire that was burnt out due to Li-ion batteries, and reports of battery storage and sorting facilities in both France and the UK that were destroyed by fire. A partial survey of its largest members undertaken by the Environmental Services Association in the UK found that in the 2019-2020 year to March, 670 fires were recorded, of which 145 could be attributed directly to Liion batteries. A further 112 incidents occurred where Li-ion batteries were suspected of being the cause

million Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in 2016 after reports of battery explosions raised new concerns about safety. The company reported at least 35 cases where the batteries combusted because of “a very rare manufacturing process error” in which the anode and cathode touched, it said in a statement on its British website. A few years earlier, a flight from Tokyo to Boston landed on schedule. Later when a technician inspected the parked Boeing 787 Dreamliner he discovered plumes of smoke. The lithium-ion battery responsible for the Dreamliner’s power supply had ignited itself.

of the fire. There are good reasons to enhance systems of care and control for the effective disposal of Li-ion batteries, the report says, including resource conservation, citizen engagement to ensure proper disposal of their waste, and protection of public health and safety. Because lithium is a raw material that should be re-used from battery packs and then reclaimed from spent batteries, it will become increasingly important to try to retain this raw material in use. While the economic case

A few days later, there was another fire in a Boeing 787, this time in the air. Thirty-five minutes after the plane had taken off, the pilots noticed smoke in the cabin. Their emergency landing at the nearest airport may well have prevented a disaster. During the following months and years, Boeing had to deal with problems caused by Li-ion batteries over and over again. This increased public awareness of the fact that Li-ion batteries are very powerful, but they also have their pitfalls. In the worst-case scenario, they catch fire.

for doing so in the 2020s is difficult to justify, with the circular economy becoming ever more prominent as a guiding principle for environmental action, recovery of lithium will be critical. To help implement the circular economy, people must be encouraged to play their part in separating their waste and sending it on for recycling. At present, the most pressing need is to reduce the fire risk that results from the careless and inappropriate collection, treatment and processing of Li-ion batteries and ensure batter-

ies are carefully stored and handled. In this context, the introduction of clearer guidance for both citizens and waste handlers is essential. In the future, extended product liability for Li-ion batteries will be necessary. The distributors of Li-ion batteries must be obliged to dispose of them properly. At the same time, increased efforts will be needed to recover the valuable and limited raw materials contained in Liion batteries in an economically viable manner, the report says. safetynews.co.nz 69

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

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Articles inside

Training doesn't have to be ‘on the job’ to be hands-on

Li-ion: an invaluable asset with little regulation

Changing mindsets about chronic conditions

Why a pragmatic approach to health and safety just makes sense

Worker engagement brings health and safety benefits

Unlearning misguided muscle training keeps you pain free at home and work

Review of local government presents major opportunity

The Dog Safe Workplace – a unique business

Breathe easy when working with asbestos and silica dust

Take advantage of industry growth with Free Trades Training

The future of on-site training

Partnership brings mental health awareness and training to construction

Standardised training the way forward

Billions invested in rail - a special report

How scalable data centres help Mainfreight’s vision

Green machine delivers safety and productivity

Chemical safety relies on meaningful cooperation

Five ideas to shake off recovery blues

AC Filter - an engineered solution protecting worker health

What is pushing up house construction costs?

Next generation concept machine for Komatsu

Time to get smarter with more science driving technology