Author Rachel Loo
Good practice guide for asbestos surveys
The latest good practice guide for conducting an asbestos survey was published by WorkSafe in a 100 page plus manual of step-by-step guidance. Continue →
When first invented, the popular soda 7Up had a secret “mood-enhancing” ingredient — lithium. Though this was swiftly banned by the FDA, the metal has regained prominence as a drug for bipolar disorder. A new study reported in Science Adviser suggests yet another use for lithium as a treatment for Alzheimers.
Large language models (LLM) usage is increasing across all domains and as AI technology has advanced and authors who use it have become more proficient at covering their tracks, spotting its handiwork also has become harder. One study from 2023 found, for example, that researchers who read medical journal abstracts generated by ChatGPT failed to identify one-third of them as written by machine.
More than 18 million workdays were lost to injury last year in New Zealand. The longer someone is off work, the harder it is for them to return. After just 70 days, the likelihood of returning drops to 35 percent. ACC has linked up with CHASNZ and is seeking organisations to participate in a six-month Recovery at Work trial to test a new approach to rehabilitation. Register for the webinar on Wednesday 20 August.
Join enhanced recovery trial
More than 18 million workdays were lost to injury last year in New Zealand. Continue →
New Zealand’s civil construction sector is stressed with just 16 percent of businesses expecting a positive business outlook, according to The 2025 Construction Industry Survey. The annual report is developed by Teletrac Navman and Civil Contractors New Zealand to provide an in-depth look on the current state of New Zealand’s civil construction sector.
The smart talk on the cocktail circuit is all about US$6.7 trillion of worldwide investment McKinsey analysis indicates data centres will need by 2030 to keep pace with the demand for compute power — around 70 percent of which will come from AI workloads. What is a Data Centre and what does it do. McKinsey equips you with the knowledge to carry off your contribution to the conversation with aplomb.
Is there anyone out there who does not feel at least a little dread reading a question like this: In a triangle △ABC, AB = 86, and AC = 97. A circle centred at point A with radius AB intersects side BC at points B and X. Moreover, BX and CX have integer lengths. What is the length of BC? Interesting fact: Cats sleep for most of their lives.
Outfox AI with a cat
Is there anyone out there who does not feel at least a little dread reading a question like this: In a triangle △ABC, AB = 86, and AC = 97. Continue →
Tomatoes and potatoes don’t only sound similar and taste good together. They’re the closest of relatives, even though one has edible fruit and the other tubers. Turns out they’ve got an even stronger connection than scientists thought, says Science reporter Erik StokstadTomatoes and potatoes don’t only sound similar and taste good together. They’re the closest of relatives, even though one has edible fruit and the other tubers. Turns out they’ve got an even stronger connection than scientists thought, says Science reporter Erik Stokstad
Where there is a will, there are always the willing
WorkSafe NZ continues to be the target of widespread dissatisfaction by frustrated business operators struggling with complex and confusing compliance obligations. Continue →
Economic and political volatility has left managers of infrastructure projects with little room for error. McKinsey says that out of a database of 16,000 global projects, only 8.5 percent met their cost and schedule targets, and 0.5 percent achieved all promised benefits. For executives overseeing such significant investments, these statistics highlight the critical need for robust project management and risk mitigation strategies
Substance use among workers is holding steady, but their drug selection continues to shift in a dangerous direction, according to the second quarter 2025 workplace report from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider.
Opioid misuse on the rise
Substance use among workers is holding steady, but their drug selection continues to shift in a dangerous direction, according to the second quarter 2025 workplace report from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider. Continue →
Download Austroads’ updated version of the Australasian Pedestrian Selection Facility. The tool is used by around 1000 practitioners annually across Australasia to support the selection of pedestrian crossing facilities based on walkability, safety and economic outcomes. Austroads regularly updates the tool to ensure it reflects current best practice and guidance
The Urban Developer reports that expressions of interest have been called from master planning contractors and their subcontractor teams for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games Victoria Park precinct which includes a 63,000 seat stadium, national aquatic centre and athletes village.
Waste from electrical and electronic equipment poses a challenge to recyclers and a threat to the environment. The UK Royal Mint with the help of industry has developed a process using a low-energy chemical solution that works at room temperature to quickly and efficiently selectively leach out more than 99% of the gold from shredded material. Non-metallic components are further processed into building materials and base metals are extracted and sold to refiners.
The latest edition of the government guide to doing business remains targeted on helping SME during difficult times. This issue includes a tool to assist in cash flow forecasting and sound advice in how to handle your business if it is running at a loss at the moment. There are other pointers including the advantages in hiring a veteran and on using AI responsibly.
