Health & Safety

As the summer sun beats down, New Zealand’s tradies find themselves facing the sweltering heat that comes with the season. Working outdoors during these months isn’t just uncomfortable; it poses significant health risks that both employees and employers must carefully manage. Understanding these risks and adopting comprehensive prevention and protection strategies is critical for the […]

Falls from height are a significant issue in New Zealand. The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment has conducted extensive investigations into falls from height, revealing that more than half of these incidents occur from less than three metres. A substantial 70 per cent of falls originate from ladders and roofs. These falls are not […]

Being a tradie is hard work, so they drink just as hard, the stereotype goes. It might be a light-hearted cliché to some, but the reality is far more serious. Some research indicates that as many as one in six Kiwis and one in five construction workers in New Zealand engage in hazardous drinking, but […]

Construction work is physically and mentally demanding and sometimes comes with risks to personal safety. Long hours, physical exhaustion, and high-risk environments create fatigue that can add up over time. The prevailing tough guy mentality among male workers also means tackling mental health challenges within the building and construction industry can be challenging. It is […]

Just like you can become physically fitter, you can also build your mental strength and fitness. That’s the thinking behind Live Well Build Well, a nationwide wellbeing programme designed to help builders and tradies manage the ups and downs of residential construction. Programme leader Rafael Caso says Live Well Build Well is the ‘ambulance at […]

MATES in Construction’s latest research reveals promising progress in workers’ mental health, yet emphasises the need for continued, targeted support for at-risk groups within the industry. MATES in Construction (MATES), a not-for-profit organisation, is committed to addressing mental health challenges in New Zealand’s construction sector. Its most recent study, the MATES Industry Well-being Survey supported […]