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Michael Curreen

Former IndustrialDay team member

Read the latest stories by Michael Curreen across the IndustrialDay network.

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Kiwi Stories

Written by Michael

Improvised method gets worker killed
Labour

Improvised method gets worker killed

Auckland construction boss Grouting Services has been fined after an improvised beam removal method left a 21-year-old worker dead.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Tue, 16th Jan 2024
Worker rescued from trench collapse
New Zealand law

Worker rescued from trench collapse

Worksafe has fined R&L Drainage NZD $275,000 after a worker was nearly buried alive in a Te Kuiti trench collapse.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Mon, 15th Jan 2024
‘Not the place for childcare’: forklift hits five-year-old
New Zealand law

‘Not the place for childcare’: forklift hits five-year-old

A boy suffered serious injuries after wandering into the path of an underage forklift driver at an orchard that was fined NZD $7,000.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Sun, 17th Dec 2023
Making sites safer with AI camera technology
Smart Cities

Making sites safer with AI camera technology

Funding will help roll out mobile AI cameras that flag roadworks risks in real time, aiming to cut danger for workers and drivers.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Fri, 15th Dec 2023
Long way to go after more asbestos prosecutions
Health and Safety

Long way to go after more asbestos prosecutions

Preventable asbestos disease still kills about 220 people a year, prompting WorkSafe to warn tradies and businesses after fresh prosecutions.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Mon, 11th Dec 2023
Unions concerned over WorkSafe cuts
Management

Unions concerned over WorkSafe cuts

Thousands more workplace deaths and injuries could follow the axing of 113 jobs at New Zealand's health and safety regulator, unions warn.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Fri, 8th Dec 2023
Growing petition to keep Fair Pay Agreements
Management

Growing petition to keep Fair Pay Agreements

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition as the incoming Government moves to repeal the workplace deals before Christmas.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Tue, 5th Dec 2023
WorkSafe consulting on guidelines for workplace mental health
Human Capital Management

WorkSafe consulting on guidelines for workplace mental health

Small businesses are among the targets for new advice on recognising psychosocial risks, with submissions open until 15 December 2023.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Tue, 28th Nov 2023
‘Watered down’ training leads to hand injury
Auckland Airport

‘Watered down’ training leads to hand injury

Inadequate instruction on pyrotechnic launchers left a wildlife ranger with severe hand injuries, prompting WorkSafe action at Auckland Airport.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Fri, 24th Nov 2023
Transportation of dangerous goods a rising concern in the US
Supply Chain

Transportation of dangerous goods a rising concern in the US

Recent rail incidents have heightened calls for clearer US rules and closer industry-government cooperation on hazardous materials safety.

By Michael Curreen • 6 min read • Tue, 21st Nov 2023
Fatality due to company’s poor traffic management
Risk & Compliance

Fatality due to company’s poor traffic management

WorkSafe says better vehicle controls could have prevented the death, after a Southland freight firm was fined GBP £0.27 million.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Mon, 20th Nov 2023
How to achieve a good work-life balance at home
Hybrid & Remote Work

How to achieve a good work-life balance at home

Remote staff are at risk of burnout as blurred boundaries, isolation and poor routines can erode productivity and family time at home.

By Michael Curreen • 12 min read • Tue, 14th Nov 2023
Scaffolder who lost arms to powerline wasn’t given safety briefing
New Zealand law

Scaffolder who lost arms to powerline wasn’t given safety briefing

A briefing failure left a West Auckland scaffolder without vital powerline safety advice before the shock that led to both arms being amputated.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Mon, 13th Nov 2023
Cyber threats remain a key concern for security professionals
Digital Transformation

Cyber threats remain a key concern for security professionals

Nearly a third of organisations were hit last year, as security teams step up cyber defences amid rising concern over vulnerabilities.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Tue, 7th Nov 2023
One dead after van struck by unchecked trailer
Health and Safety

One dead after van struck by unchecked trailer

WorkSafe says the fatal crash was entirely preventable after trailer checks were skipped, exposing other road users to deadly risk.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Mon, 6th Nov 2023
Safe Work Australia supports call to ban of engineered stone
Supply Chain

Safe Work Australia supports call to ban of engineered stone

A nationwide ban could soon hit Australian worksites after regulators warned the stone is linked to silicosis in younger workers.

By Michael Curreen • 5 min read • Mon, 30th Oct 2023
Restrictions around supply of hazardous substances
Supply Chain

Restrictions around supply of hazardous substances

Suppliers must now verify competent persons in writing before selling certain hazardous chemicals, as regulators step up compliance checks.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Fri, 27th Oct 2023
Fleet safety award winners announced
Supply Chain

Fleet safety award winners announced

Brake's annual awards in Auckland have honoured firms and individuals cutting crashes and emissions from work vehicles across Australasia.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Mon, 23rd Oct 2023
Unsafe machine costs worker his arm
Health and Safety

Unsafe machine costs worker his arm

A missing emergency stop and poor cleaning procedures left a worker without an arm, prompting a GBP £297,000 fine for Dunlop Drymix.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Fri, 20th Oct 2023