Health and safety statistics seemed to have slipped off the radar since the intense media scrutiny post the Pike River Mine disaster and the subsequent introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act circa 2016.
Category Archives: The Xpress Engineer
3D printing: A greener, more sustainable manufacturing?
Unlike subtractive machining which typically generates large quantities of waste product, 3D printing’s additive nature allows for the creation of parts while creating minimal waste, writes Dr Juan Shutte.
Rakon launches new equipment for space
Headquartered in Auckland, Rakon is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of frequency control products and timing solutions. Its products can be found at the heart of many applications, from 5G networks and satellites, to even vehicles on Mars.
Leveraging industrial opportunities in metal 3D printing
Dr Juan Schutte shares how 3D printing has evolved from plastic filament being melted into rough layered prototypes, and is making its mark in the industry with metal-based technologies.
Arbitration clauses in construction contracts: the ‘may’ versus ‘must’ debate
There is a question whether a party is entitled to litigate instead of referring its dispute to arbitration where an arbitration clause in a construction contract such as clause 13.4 in NZS3910:2013 provides that the parties ‘may’ refer their dispute to arbitration, but does not say anything about litigation.
Getting serious about machine safety in 2022
A wave of prosecutions related to guarding and the safe use of machinery are an eyeopener to the complacency of business in keeping their workers safe. From the Wellington pastry worker degloving his hand in a pastry maker to the female sawmill worker killed when she was dragged into machinery, the reality is that our statistics have not improved despite the best intentions of MBIE and WorkSafe.
What does 2022 have in store?
It’s dangerous at the best of times to get out the crystal ball in an attempt to foretell the year ahead, and even more so at times of so much change, but I thought I’d give it a go anyway!
Steel is a hero of the circular economy: Study estimates 85% of Aotearoa’s building and construction steel waste is recycled
In June 2021, HERA published its Steel Recycling Report that indicated an impressive 74% of scrap steel in New Zealand was recycled. The recycling of steel not only provides significant environmental benefits but also helps to secure the future of the steel industry. Recycled steel is cheaper and easier to produce (recycling steel saves almost 74% of the overall energy used in production), saves natural resources, and prevents excess greenhouse gas usage.
Seismometers to give clearer image of subduction zone earthquakes
Scientists hope that the deployment of new ocean-bottom seismometers off the east coast of Wellington will help reveal the earthquake and tsunami potential for a ‘locked’ part of the Hikurangi Subduction Zone. But before then, plenty of work needs to be done.
Climate action: Engineering change
Engineering New Zealand says it is time for industry to accelerate climate action. And the good news is that many companies are already stepping up to the challenge – WSP being one.
You must be logged in to post a comment.