OUR INSIGHTS

Welcome to our Insights page! Here, we share valuable insights, industry updates, and informative articles that focus on key topics affecting our workforce and the wider construction industry.

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Note: we aim to publish 1-2 articles per week

Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Controlled Chaos: The Truth About Variations

Demolition projects often face unexpected variations, from hidden materials to live services and asbestos discoveries. Learn how managing these ensures safety, efficiency, and successful outcomes

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Clear Signs, Clear Communication: Asbestos Safety

Notifying neighbours and using proper signage during asbestos removal isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s essential for safety and trust. Learn how clear communication can make all the difference. Read more here

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Guardrails and Guidelines: Staying Safe on Scissor Lifts

Discover how to maximise safety when using scissor lifts and other Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in high-risk environments like construction and demolition. Learn about best practices, harness use, and when to consider alternative MEWPs for the job.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Safety at Your Fingertips: Balancing Protection and Dexterity in the Workplace

Hands are critical to almost every job, yet they are often exposed to unnecessary risks. This article dives into why hand protection matters, what glove ratings mean, and how to match the right gloves to the task at hand. Don’t risk injury for the sake of dexterity—discover how the right gloves and training can make all the difference.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Hard Hats and Hard Truths: Top 5 Lessons Learned for 2024

In demolition, the only thing that should crumble is the building — not the plan or communication. From managing change to tight deadlines, 2024 taught us key lessons on keeping projects on track. Discover our top 5 takeaways to avoid costly mistakes and manage chaos effectively.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Well-being in New Zealand's Construction Industry: Insights from MATES in Construction

The construction industry faces unique challenges when it comes to mental health and well-being. Recent research by MATES in Construction highlights critical insights into workplace stressors, vulnerable groups, and the economic cost of suicide. This article explores how tailored interventions and cultural shifts can support workers and improve mental health outcomes in the sector.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Asbestos Awareness Week 2024

Discover the hidden risks of asbestos in New Zealand homes and learn how to manage them safely. This guide explains where asbestos may be lurking in older homes, how to spot warning signs, and the best steps to take if you suspect asbestos is present. Perfect for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to keep their family safe—read on to stay informed this Asbestos Awareness Week.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

From Vacant to Vandalised

Unscheduled demolition can lead to a host of problems, from security breaches to costly delays. Vacant properties left unattended are vulnerable to risks like theft, vandalism, and even arson, putting the surrounding area at risk. In this article, we explore why it's crucial to set a clear start date for demolition projects, secure your site, and address issues like material theft and squatting before they escalate.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Dangers of “Dust”

Demolition, construction, and refurbishment are vital for New Zealand’s growth, yet they can expose workers and the public to health risks from mould, silica dust, and volcanic rock like erionite. These materials are prevalent in older buildings and natural environments. This article highlights the health hazards associated with these substances and the importance of effective dust management and respiratory protection.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Engaging the Right Asbestos Assessor

Choosing the right asbestos assessor is critical to avoiding hidden costs and project delays. Our article explains how investing in a thorough, reputable assessment can prevent costly issues down the line and ensure safety without unnecessary expenses.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Waste Not, Build Smart: Moving Toward Zero Waste in Construction

This article examines the feasibility of zero waste, highlighting the critical role that design plays in minimizing waste generation. By exploring effective strategies and best practices, we can work towards more sustainable building practices that not only reduce waste but also promote resource efficiency throughout a project's life cycle.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Rethinking Injury Management in the Demolition Industry

This article addresses injury management in the high-risk demolition sector of the construction industry. It critiques traditional safety metrics like LTIFR and TRIFR for their ineffectiveness in measuring true safety performance. Instead, it promotes a proactive approach that encourages early reporting of discomfort and involves physiotherapists to prevent minor injuries from worsening, ultimately enhancing worker safety and reducing long-term injury rates.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Proactive vs. Reactive Risk Management in Demolition

In demolition, while proactive risk management is ideal, it's often challenged by incomplete information and unknown subsurface conditions. This article explores how demolition teams in New Zealand can combine proactive planning with reactive strategies, using experience and contingency plans to address new risks as they arise during projects.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

Mechanical vs. Manual: Understanding the Risks

Explore the often-overlooked dangers of mechanical and manual demolition in this brief review. Learn about the trade-offs in speed, precision, safety, and environmental impact, and discover why balancing both methods could be the smartest choice for your next project.

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Alex Moulton Alex Moulton

The Importance of Numeracy and Literacy in Employment

Discover the critical importance of enhancing literacy and numeracy skills in New Zealand’s education system. This article explores the challenges facing NZQA training, including low pass rates in literacy and numeracy tests, and the impact of early school leaving exacerbated by COVID-19. We look at effective approaches, from tailored training programs to community initiatives, that can bridge the skills gap and foster a more competent workforce in industries reliant on NZQA unit standards, particularly in construction.

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